fi-fo-fear,
Don't you understand it, dear?
Raindrops fall, Sun shines through all,
Reflects beyond,
This beauteous wand
Which we the Rainbow call.

{100}

_THE OXEN_.

The oxen are such clever beasts,
They'll drag the plough all day;
They're very strong and tug along
Great loads of wood or hay.

They feed on grass, when green or dry;
Their flesh is beef, for food;
Their lungs are "lights," their stomach, "tripe,"
Their skin for leather's good.

Their hair men use in mortar, too,
Lime, water, sand and hair,
They nicely mix and smoothly fix,
For plastering, so fair.

{101}

For making soap their bones are used;
Their horns for combs we group;
Their feet are boiled for "neat's-foot-oil,"
Their tails for ox-tail soup.

Their heart-case forms a money-bag;
Their tallow, candles, white;
Their intestine, gold-beater's skin,
With which gold-leaf we smite.

Thus every part is useful made;
The same is true of cows,--
Except their ilk gives luscious milk
Instead of dragging ploughs.

{102}

Oxen and cows are "cattle" called;
They go in "herds," when wild;
But when they're tame, by other name,--
A "drove," _en masse_, they're styled.

Their little ones are "calves,"--and cows'
Rich milk produces cream,
Which butter makes, and nice cheese-cakes,
With curd, whey, and caseine.

And now 'tis funny, but 'tis true,
Some children young and mazy,
Have thought their eyes were used some-wise,
To make the ox-eyed daisy!

{103}

This cannot be, yet creatures' bones
Placed round trees, plants and bowers,
Will serve to feed just what they need,
To grow fine fruits and flowers.

{104}

_THE BROKEN PITCHER_.

"Sweet, my love, I'm sorry
That you did not tell,
When you broke the pitcher
Coming from the well."

"Oh, I thought you'd whip me,
Just as Betty did;
Then when she would ask me,
I would tell a fib."

"Sweet, my child, I never
Punish any one
For an accidental
Thing that may be done.

"Tell me always, darling,
Everything you do;
This will help to make you
Thoughtful, brave and true."

{105}

_THE ELEPHANTS_.

THE ivory for our combs,
From elephants' tusks is made;
The handles, too for many a knife,
And for paper-knives the blade.

The elephant knows a friend,--
And well