The bird is a transcendentalist, ever attempting what he cannot satisfactorily accomplish, but failing, only to delight us with the strange sweetness of the imperfect performance. The highest form of bird-music is unquestionably revealed in the songs of the thrushes. Here we have not only a simple fundamental rule, amply demonstrated, but also a partially developed series of musical ideas, strung together with a well-chosen relationship. Of course, musically considered, the development of the melody and the connection of the phrases are more or less imperfect; but that does not matter. The truth is, the bird is an accomplished singer who cares less for conventional rules than he does for the essence, or the soul of the music; but above all he succeeds in inspiring his listener. What more, may I ask, could be expected of a musician?--_School Journal._ STORY OF A NEST. ANNA R. HENDERSON. Far away in the beautiful land of Brazil, Where the birds are all singing o'er valley and hill, Two little children walked out 'neath the trees, Talking in musical Portuguese; And if you will listen to what I say, I'll tell you in English their words that day. "Sister," said Manuel, "often I've heard, That the trees scarce have room for the nest of each bird; For this is the land of these beautiful things, And the air seems alive with their songs and their wings; And I think that I know of a little bird breast, Which was puzzled and troubled for place for a nest." "Now, brother," said Lena, "don't tell me a word, Let me hunt for the nest of this crowded-out bird," So away they went roving o'er hill and through dell;-- Of the nests that they found 'twould take hours to tell. There were nests in the orange trees, blossoming white, There were nests in the coffee trees, glossy and bright, There were nests in the hedges, the bushes and grass, In the dark, hanging vines, by each roadside and pass. There were blue eggs and speckled eggs, brown eggs and white, And yellow throats opening with chirpings of fright. "Search no longer," said Manuel, "'mid bushes and trees, 'Tis a stranger place, sister, than any of these." "I give up," said Lena, a shade on her brow, "Come, hasten, dear Manuel, I'll follow you now." Then away to the garden the little feet sped, And he showed her the nest in a big cabbage head! [Illustration: CHICAGO: A. W. MUMFORD, PUBLISHER. IRON ORES. COPYRIGHT 1899, BY NATURE STUDY PUB. CO., CHICAGO. Pyrites Magnetite Pyrites Limonite Limonite Hematite Specular] COMMON MINERALS AND VALUABLE ORES. THEO. F. BROOKINS. I.--IRON MINERALS.