ut out figures of horses, dogs, pigs, and various other
animals.

Three years afterward she remembered this conversation; for it happened
at that time, that, her father having died, her widowed mother was left
almost destitute with a family of seven children to support.

[Illustration]

What should the poor woman do? At first she thought she would take in
washing, then that she would try to keep a little shop. While she was
hesitating, Mr. Mason, a brisk old gentleman, came to the door, and
asked, "Where is the boy who cuts these figures and faces in profile?"

One of his grandchildren had brought him home from school some specimens
of Ernest's skill; and Mr. Mason saw at once that they were the work of
a gifted and painstaking artist.

"You must mean my little Ernest," said the mother. "Poor little fellow!
He little dreams what is coming. I shall soon have to take him away from
school."

"Why so?" cried Mr. Mason. "Take him away from school? You shall do no
such a thing. I'll not allow it."

"We are destitute, sir, and I have no means of support," said the mother
with a sigh.

"No means of support! Nonsense! With a boy in the house who can cut
figures like that, do you say you have no means of support?" exclaimed
Mr. Mason. "Good woman, I will insure your boy good wages every week for
the next year, if you will let him come between school-hours, and cut
pictures under my direction."

The rest of my little story may soon be told. Ernest became the staff
and stay of his family. The little talent he had cultivated so carefully
and diligently was the means of giving him not only an honest
employment, but a liberal support. He rose to distinction; and his
productions were much sought after by all good judges of art.

EMILY CARTER.

[Illustration: ST. CATHERINE'S ROCK, SOUTH WALES.]

IN THE WINTER.

[Illustration]

THERE are some nice apples in the cellar, and William is going down with
a light to get a dish full. He will pick out some that are as yellow as
gold, and some that are as red as a rose.

[Illustration]

This man is cutting a hole through the ice, so that the cows may drink.
The stream is all frozen over. When the thick ice is broken, they can
drink all they want. Walk up, old Brindle, and help yourself.

[Illustration]

Here are the fowls, and each stands on one leg. The ground is covered
with snow, and their toes are very cold. So they all hold their feet
under their fe