They had, in the main, a jolly time, but the ending was not as brilliant as they had looked for. They never regretted going, but the next year took a larger party, and went for a shorter time. THE SENTIMENTAL FOX. "Oh, beautiful wild duck, it pains me to see, You flying aloft in that gone sort of way, Sweet one, fare you well. I could shed many tears, But my deepest emotions I never betray. "I've always admired you, wonderful bird, By the light of the sun and the rays of the moon; I tell you 'tis more than a fox can endure, To know that you take your departure so soon. "I snatched a few feathers, in memory of you; I desired a whole wing, but you baffled my plan; Oh, what a memento to hang in my den! And in very hot weather to use as a fan. "Descend, O, thou beautiful creature, to earth! There's nothing I would not perform for your sake; If once in awhile I could see you down here, I'd never get tired of the shores of this lake!" "Cheer up, Mr. Fox," said the duck, flying higher, "The parting of such friends is sometimes a boon; When they get far away, and have time to reflect, They see that it came not a moment too soon. "You wanted a wild wing to fan yourself with; You see if I granted that favor to you, 'Twould have left me but one, which is hardly enough, As I find it convenient, just now, to have two." Then she faded away, a dark speck on the sky. "That's a very shrewd bird," said the fox in dismay! "I shall have to look round for my dinner, again, And I fancy it will not be wild duck to-day." EARTHEN VESSELS. Spring time had come, with its blossoms and birds; and Mrs. Rossiter threw up the sash of the east window, and pushed open the blinds, and drew a long deep breath of morning air, and morning sunshine. "I think, Bridget," she said, "that we might venture to bring the house-plants out-doors to-day. There can hardly be another frost, this year." "Oh! may I help?" asked little Charley, "I'll be very careful." "On that condition, that you be very careful, you may bring the little ones," answered his mother. The work progressed safely and rapidly for awhile. Geraniums, roses, fuchsias, heliotropes, and so following, came forth in profusion, many in bloom, and were placed in rows along the garden borders, ready to be transferred to the beds, for the summer. At last the little ones were all brought by Charley, and only larger ones remained.