When once more safely seated in the boat, the father and son looked everywhere for the wounded fish and the lost spear; but their search was in vain. At last they returned home; and on the husband telling his beloved spouse of the danger they had run, the terrified mother began to scold Pierre for his temerity; but the boy, accustomed to such rebukes, replied,―― “Ah, mother; if you had seen what a beauty it was, you would not scold me. If my arm had been a little longer I am sure I should have caught it.” Years have elapsed; and, in spite of all Pierre’s solicitations, the prudent mother would not again hear of his accompanying his father on another fishing excursion. [Illustration] Come and get it. Come and get it, little pet―― Try again――you’ll have it yet! ’Tis a ring that sparkles bright, And delights thy infant sight. I wonder not, my little boy, Thou art eager for the toy; Grown-up people strive to grasp The gold thy little hands would clasp. Though we call thee silly boy, Thus to love an idle toy, Still, what better are the old, Whose cherished bauble is but gold? Are they not little children yet, Like our little thoughtless pet, Those who strive with eager lust To gather heaps of shining dust? Fare thee well, my little friend; May thy mother o’er thee bend, And whisper in thy tender heart, A better love――a wiser part; So that thou, to manhood grown, May fix thy love on Truth, alone. This is better, far, than gold, This will serve thee, young or old; This will brighter grow with years, Cheer thee through this vale of tears; And as current coin will pay For all thy wants, on heaven’s way. _Parley’s Picture Book. New edition._ The Effects of Music on Animals. Music exercises extraordinary effects upon certain animals, and fully confirms the remark of Racine, that “Nature has given ears sensible of harmony even to brutes.” We shall find that music subdues the rude dispositions of some; arouses the ferocity of others; renders some so docile and tame, that they may be approached without hesitation; while it makes others suspicious and frightened. Gregory Nicene tells us of an _ape_, in the city of Alexandria, which, clothed in very rich attire, used to dance very exactly to music. Once he had continued the dance for a long time; but a beholder, having thrown him some nuts, he immediately left off dancing, and began to gather them, amidst the loud laughter of the spectators. Old Franzius, a moralizing zoologist, compares this ape’s conduct to that of those men in high office, who will neglect the public whenever private gain offers itself to them. This writer says, “a _bear_ is extraordinarily delighted with music.”