“On the coasts of Labrador they abound, and thousands of birds are there killed for the sake of the breast feathers, which are very warm and elastic, and the quantities of eggs there collected amount to almost incredible numbers. “The summer and winter dresses of the Razor-bill, though different, do not vary so remarkably as the plumage of many other birds. In the summer dress, the white streak which goes to the bill from the eyes becomes very pure; and the cheeks, throat and upper part of the front of the neck are of a deep black, shaded with reddish. In winter the throat and fore part of the neck are white.” The Razor-bill is fifteen inches long. The egg is disproportionately large, being about the size of that of the turkey, but longer, white or yellowish and streaked with dark brown. * * * * * SPIRITUAL PRESENCE. BY MRS. MARY G. HORSFORD. When the still and solemn night Broodeth o’er with wing of love, And the stars with eyes of light Look like spirits from above; When the flowers their petals close Softly in the slumbering air, Bending meekly in repose As a contrite soul at prayer; And the waters sweep the shore With a low and sullen chime, Like Life’s current falling o’er Into the abyss of Time; Sometimes feel ye not a breath As of pinions rushing by, Viewless as the touch of Death? ’Tis an angel passing nigh. Evermore ’neath rock or tree, In the forest or the street, ’Mid the desert, on the sea, We a seraph form may meet. Human hearts! with vision clear Look ye to each deed and thought; Arm the spirit, torn in fear From the act in evil wrought; We do walk forever nigh Waking ghost of envied dead, And unmarked by mortal eye With angelic hosts do tread. While in chorus winds rejoice, Though we see no guiding form, Speaks there not a “still small voice”? God is riding on the storm. Tireless roll the worlds of light, God is marking out their way; Joyous beams the morning light, God is smiling in the ray. Soul! though gaunt and weary care Haunt thine upward soaring free, Let each pulse count out a prayer, _The Eternal walks with thee_. * * * * * FLOWER FANCIES. BY MRS. H. MARION STEPHENS. Angel tokens—flower fancies— Wrought with bright imaginings— Evermore the vision glances On your rainbow-tinted wings! Underneath the wild-wood dreaming, Type of all that’s pure in heart, Or upon the hill-top gleaming, Gems of beauty still thou art!