as
Edward had never seen before. He was quite hungry, as well as much
fatigued with his day's ride, and as soon as he had finished his supper,
he went into the parlor, and kissing his parents, he bade them and all
his friends _good night_, and retired to rest. But before he got
into bed, he knelt down and thanked GOD for taking care of him through
the day, and prayed that He would protect and care for him through the
night.

The next morning the children were all up early, and Edward went out
with his cousins to see William's rabbits. He was delighted with the
beautiful little animals, and asked a great many questions about them,
which William kindly answered. He admired them so much that he could
hardly be persuaded to leave them, till Ann told him he would not be
as obedient as the young rabbits were, if he did not go in at once,
for her mother had twice called them to go in and get their breakfasts.

Just as Edward had finished his breakfast, he looked out and saw a
beautiful bird sitting on the branch of a young apple-tree, eating the
tender buds, and singing most sweetly.

[Illustration: The Bullfinch.]

"There is that mischievous _bullfinch_ again," said Mr. Wilson; "if
I do not drive him away, I shall never have an apple on that favorite
young tree of mine." Then he took down his gun and went into the garden,
followed by the children. But Mr. Wilson was a kind man and would not
harm a living thing. So he pointed the gun away from the bird and fired.
The loud report not only frightened the bird, but startled little Edward
also, which made his cousins laugh heartily. The children all thought
they had rather lose the apples than such a pretty bird, and were not
quite satisfied with Mr. Wilson for sending him away. To divert their
minds, he told them to put on their hats, and take a ramble in the
fields with him, and perhaps he would walk with them up the high hill
near his farm, if their little visitor thought his legs were strong
enough to climb so high. Edward thought they were; so they set off,
shouting and racing through the fields, while Mr. Wilson followed
leisurely in the road.

They found it rather hard work to climb the hill, which was very steep,
but when they got to the top, they were well paid for all their trouble.
They could see many pretty towns, with the beautiful river gliding along
through them, and many high hills, like the one they were on, far away
in the distance. Mr. Wilson pointed out