The QUAIL is a small bird, and very pleasant to eat. The Israelites were tired of the manna which God sent them for food, and desired flesh without remembering that he knew what was best for them. But though their request was granted, we read that the wrath of the Lord was kindled against them, and he smote them with a great plague, so that many died. When you pray for what you desire to have, always remember that God knows what is better for you than you do yourself, and intreat him not to give it, unless it is right for you to have it. [Illustration] The PARROT is a chattering bird; it can say many words, but cannot at all understand the meaning of what it says. I have often seen Parrots without feathers that talked a great deal of nonsense, I dare say you know that I mean little boys and girls. We read that “in all labor there is profit, but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” People that talk a great deal are not wise. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin. [Illustration] The STORK is called in the Bible, by a name which also means pity or mercy. It is supposed to be so called, because it is said never to forsake its parents, but to feed them and take care of them as long as they live. I hope you will not forget this. The fifth commandment is this, “Honour thy father and mother that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” Undutiful children are not happy when they grow up. [Illustration] The SPARROW is of less value than most other birds, yet we are told that God takes care even of them. (Matt. x. 29.) This should lead us to say, if he takes care of the Sparrows, surely he will not overlook children; and we should pray to God to direct us and to watch over us, and that he would enable us to love him for his goodness towards us. But above all, we should praise him for the greatness of his mercy in sending his only and well-beloved son to die for us, that we might be brought nigh to him. [Illustration] The DOVE is said to signify to us what Christ is—meek, lowly, and kind, bringing us the good tidings of salvation, as the Dove brought to Noah a proof that the waters were gone from off the face of the earth. Also, when he causes his people to love him, they are made kind, gentle, and harmless, and partakers of his Holy Spirit. Let us remember this, and pray that we may love him, and have our hearts changed, so that we may delight in doing his will, and be “harmless as doves.” [Illustration] The HEN watches over her chickens, and takes care of them; she gathers them under her wings, and guards them from the hawk, or any other danger. When Jesus was upon earth, he said, “O Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not.” Jesus is now in heaven, but he invites us to call upon him by prayer. “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” Ps. cxlv. 18.