ck.
11. Green corn, or "roasting ears," hulled corn and
hominy, New England hasty pudding, and succotash are
favorite dishes with many persons. Then there are parched
corn and pop corn--the delight of long winter evenings.
12. Cornstarch is an important article of commerce. Sirup
and sugar are made from the juice of the stalk, and oil and
alcohol from the ripened grain. Corn husks are largely used
for filling

THIRD READER. 197
mattresses, and are braided into mats, baskets, and other
useful articles.
13. Thus it will be seen how varied are the uses of Indian
corn. And besides being so useful, the plant is very beautiful.
The sight of a large cornfield in the latter part of summer,
with all its green banners waving and its tasseled plumes
nodding, is one to admire, and not to be forgotten.

LESSON LXXIV.
THE SNOWBIRD'S SONG.

1. The ground was all covered with snow one day,
And two little sisters were busy at play,
When a snowbird was sitting close by on a tree,
And merrily singing his chick-a-de-dee.

198 ECLECTIC SERIES.

2. He had not been singing that tune very long
Ere Emily heard him, so loud was his song;
"O sister, look out of the window!" said she;
"Here's a dear little bird singing chick-a-de-dee.

3. "Poor fellow! he walks in the snow and the sleet,
And has neither stockings nor shoes on his feet:
I wonder what makes him so full of his glee;
He's all the time singing his chick-a-de-dee.

4. "If I were a barefooted snowbird, I know,
I would not stay out in the cold and the snow;
I pity him so! oh, how cold he must be!
And yet he keeps singing his chick-a-de-dee.

THIRD READER. 199

5. "O mother; do get him some stockings, and shoes,
And a nice little frock, and a hat if he choose:
I wish he'd come into the parlor, and see
How warm we would make him, poor chick-a-de-dee!"

6. The bird had flown down for some sweet crumbs of bread,
And heard every word little Emily said:
"What a figure I'd make in that dress" thought he,
And laughed as he warbled his chick-a-de-dee.

7. "I am grateful," said he, "for the wish you express,
But have no occasion for such a fine dress;
I rather remain with my little limbs free,
Than to hobble about, singing chick-a-de-dee.

8. "There is One, my dear child, though I can not tell who,
Has clothed me already, and warm enough, too.
Good morning! Oh, who are so happy as we?"
And away he flew, singing his chick-a-de-dee.
F. C. Woodworth.