untamable--that
they will not mix with tame cattle--that tame cows shrink from the
aurochs' calves; but does not any cow shrink from any calf not her own?
The American Bison, with which you are all pretty familiar, is very
similar to the one just mentioned. There have been several attempts made
to domesticate the American bison, and have been so far successful. The
size and strength of the animal make it probable that if domesticated,
it would be of great use.

[Illustration]

THE KANGAROO.

"Well," said little Herbert Joyce, as he looked over the books of
drawings which his cousin had just brought home from Australia, "I never
saw anything so extraordinary before in all my life; why here is an
animal with three heads, and two of them are very low down, and much
smaller than the others." "What do you mean, Herbert?" asked his cousin,
who just then came into the room. "There are no three-headed
animals--let me see the picture. Oh! no wonder you were puzzled; it does
look like a queer creature. That is a kangaroo, and the small heads
belong to her children, whom she carries about in a bag formed by a hole
in her skin, until they are old enough to walk; and the little things
seem very happy there; and sometimes, as their mother moves along over
the grass, you may see them nibbling it."

[Illustration]

THE PEACOCK.

Proud bird! I watched thee stalking by,
With stately step and slow,
As though thou fain would'st charm each eye
With glittering pomp and show:

And truly thou art brave to see,
In heaven's hues arrayed,
And plainer birds at sight of thee
Might shrink and be dismayed:

Yet, pampered bird! there still are those
I value higher far,
Albeit their garb nor glints nor glows
With many a jeweled star.

I love them for their gentle ways,
Their voices soft and sweet
In summer chorus, that repays
Right well their winter's meat.

For what is outward form at best
But accident of birth?
That form in splendid raiment drest
Is still but common earth.

And yet 'tis he whose painted plumes
Shine fairest in the sun,
Who haughtiest look of pride assumes,
As though by him 'twere done.

We smile to see yon bird strut by,
Thus proud of his array;
But human friends we may espy
As foolish every day.

Not beauty's form nor grand attire
Upon the wise will tell,
But _acts_ of those who e'er aspire
To do their DUTY well.

[Illustration]

[Illustration: FEEDIN