3. When walking, its hind legs do not stand up like those of a cat or dog; but the leg up to the first joint comes down flat upon the ground. 4. With its strong claws it digs a hole in the ground for a home. It chooses a soft place in a bank, where, at first, it can dig up, so that it will not be disturbed by water. Its home has several entrances, so that, if pursued, it can escape by running in or out. In one of its driest rooms it makes its nest of dried grass; and here it stays in stormy weather, only coming out on pleasant days. [Illustration] 5. Woodchucks are very timid, and, when they come out to feed, one sits up and keeps watch. Should it spy any danger, it gives a kind of whistle, and away they all scud to their holes. 6. When winter comes, the woodchuck rolls himself up in his nest and goes to sleep until spring. He is very fat when he takes to his bed in the fall, but is lean when he comes out ready for his next summer's work. 7. The prairie-dog, found upon the plains in the West, is very much like a small woodchuck. In a prairie-dog town there are hundreds of holes close together. When we go to look at them, we see a little head at every door-way, which dives out of sight as we come near. Owls and rattle-snakes live in the same holes with the prairie-dogs. LESSON XLV. _MRS. BRINDLE'S COWSLIP FEAST._ A cow lived in a pleasant field, Where cowslips bloomed in spring. Said she, "I think a cowslip feast Would be a pleasant thing." So Mrs. Brindle sent a calf Around the farm, to say That she should give a cowslip feast At four o'clock that day. At four o'clock she sat in state Beside the flowing brook; The cowslips, with their golden heads, Did most inviting look. The brindle calf in apron stood To ope the five-barred gate; And then his mother said that he Upon the guests must wait. The company at length drew near: First Mrs. Blossom came, And Mrs. Dun, and Mr. Bull, Who seemed to-day quite tame. Red, spotted, white, a goodly band Of cows and calves came nigh; And Mr. Donkey said that he Would cowslips like to try. And Mrs. Mare came with her foal, And Mr. Horse came too, And several sheep with frisky lambs, In woolen dresses new. Then Mrs. Brindle bade her guests The cowslips sweet to eat; And if they wished to drink, she said, The brook was clear and sweet. They ate and drank, and chatted too; And, when they went away, Said, "Thank you for your cowslip feast, Dear brindle cow, to-day." * * * * * I thought the sparrow's note from heaven, Singing at dawn on the elder bough; I brought him home; in his nest, at even, He sings the song, but it pleases not now: For I did not bring home the river and sky-- He sang to my ear; they sang to my eye. LESSON XLVI. _THE FROG AND ITS HOME._