that, as long as it is raised, they are not beaten; and the
soldiers look to it as a place or rallying point where they must all
join if forced to separate. Flags are hoisted on a ship's mast to tell
to what nation she belongs, and every nation has a different one. The
American Flag has thirteen stripes, to show how many States first formed
the United States, and it has as many stars as there are States at this
time.

[Illustration]

TENT

Did you ever see a tent? This sort of house is common in warm climates.
The Israelites, of whom you read in the bible, lived in tents forty
years. Soldiers live in tents, when they march from home; and at night
they take the canvass out of their waggons or baggage-carts, and pitch
the tents in any convenient field. Four soldiers live in one tent, and
lie upon clean straw, taking their knapsacks for pillows. Their guns and
their swords are hung around overhead.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

CANNON.

When the cannon is fired only for the purpose of noise, no ball is put
in; nothing but powder and the wad. On Washington's birth-day, on the
fourth day of July, and on some training days, cannon are used to make a
noise, and the louder it is so much the better. Never be afraid of the
cannon noise when there is no ball to hurt you.

[Illustration]

CLOCK.

You all know what a clock is, and how it strikes every hour. One, two,
three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve. It then
begins one again, and so goes on, and has no end. In the middle of the
day it strikes twelve, and in the middle of the night also. When it
strikes five in summer mornings, then you must rise. When it strikes
seven in winter mornings, then you must rise; at eight, eat breakfast;
dine at two; and sup at five; go to bed at eight; sleep whilst the clock
ticks all night, and wake in the morning to hear it strike again.

[Illustration]

BARGE.

[Illustration]

A Barge is a large boat driven along with oars, and rowed by eight or
ten men, with one man at the helm to steer her course through the sea.
It belongs to a ship of war, or to a fort, and is used for the purpose
of carrying officers to the shore. The barge has what is called a round
house, on her quarter deck to keep off the hot sun or the rain. How
sweet, in a calm day, to sail on the water, feeling the soft wind
blowing health and cheerfulness into our cheeks! But many accidents
happen on th