British merchant vessels of all classes. Our little navy had produced a
wonderful change in public opinion in Europe concerning the resources
and power of the United States. It had achieved the independence of the
Republic.

In time of peace our navy has been employed in the beneficent work of
giving aid to commerce; in making explorations of strange seas; in
scientific investigations of ocean phenomena; and in the important
operations of the Coast Survey, begun in 1817. The most conspicuous of
the peaceful performances of our navy were known respectively as the
"South Sea Exploring Expedition" and the "Japan Diplomatic Expedition."
The former began in 1838, and ended in 1842. It was composed of six
government vessels, furnished with a complete corps of scientific men,
and was commanded by Lieutenant Charles Wilkes. It went southward until
it reached pack ice, in south latitude 66 deg., and made a voyage of
about ninety thousand miles.

[Illustration: COMMODORE PERRY'S SHIPS IN THE BAY OF JEDDO.]

The Japan Diplomatic Expedition consisted of a squadron of seven
vessels, commanded by Commodore M. G. Perry. Its business was to carry a
letter to the Emperor of Japan from the President of the United States,
who asked him to open his sea-ports to American commerce. The expedition
sailed in the fall of 1852, and reached Japan in 1853. Perry was met on
the bosom of the bay of Jeddo, in which his squadron had anchored, by
high officials in the Emperor's state barges, and to them the object of
the expedition was made known. The Japanese were astonished, for they
had never seen a steam-ship. After several months' consideration the
Emperor agreed to the President's request, and in 1860 he sent an
embassy to the United States. Ever since then there has been free
intercourse between the two nations.

[TO BE CONTINUED.]

"I AM THE LAD THAT FOLLOWS THE PLOUGH."

BY MARY A. BARR.

[Illustration]

I am the lad that follows the plough--
Robin and Thrush just whistle for me--
In a hickory suit that's pretty well worn
I go to the field at early morn,
I help to scatter the golden corn--
Robin and Thrush just whistle for me.

Out in the meadows and woods and lanes--
Robin and Thrush just whistle for me--
I watch the sheep and the lambs at play;
When the grass is high I toss the hay;
There isn't a boy in the world so gay--
Robin and Thrush just whistle for me.

I go with father to she