About a hundred miles south of the Yosemite is the General Grant National Park. This park is of comparatively small size, but contains a group of some of the largest and finest Big Trees in the country. Still farther south there is a reserve called the Sequoia Park, which contains the largest remaining groves of the Big Trees. There are also many state parks scattered over different parts of the Union. The establishment of these parks is intended to preserve either the forests or natural scenery. The retention by the state or general government of large tracts of mountain and timber land, and of those areas which are particularly interesting on account of their natural scenery, is of the greatest importance. The timber and water are preserved for the general good instead of being squandered for the enrichment of individuals. The preservation of scenic features in their original wild state is just and right, because such things add to the pleasure of out-of-door life, elevate men's feelings, and cultivate a love for the beautiful. The protection afforded the plant and animal life by these reserves gives a better opportunity for studying them, and tends to foster a general interest in the welfare of living things. ADVERTISEMENTS. THE HEATH READERS A new series, that excels in its 1. Interesting and well graded lessons. 2. Masterpieces of English and American literature. 3. Beautiful and appropriate illustrations. 4. Clear and legible printing. 5. Durable and handsome binding. 6. Adaptation to the needs of modern schools. The HEATH READERS enable teachers, whether they have much or little knowledge of the art, to teach children to read intelligently and to read aloud intelligibly. They do this without waste of time or effort, and at the same time that the books aid pupils in acquiring skill in reading, they present material which is in itself worth reading. The purpose of the HEATH READERS is, _first_, to enable beginners to master the mechanical difficulties of reading successfully and in the shortest time; _second_, to develop the imagination and cultivate a taste for the best literature; _third_, to appeal to those motives that lead to right conduct, industry, courage, patriotism, and loyalty to duty. The larger purpose is, briefly, to aid in developing an appreciation of that which is of most worth in life and literature. The series contains seven books, as follows: Primer, 128 pages, 25 cents. | Fourth Reader, 320 pages, 45 cents. First Reader, 130 pages, 25 cents. | Fifth Reader, 352 pages, 50 cents. Second Reader, 176 pages, 35 cents. | Sixth Reader, 352 pages, 50 cents. Third Reader, 256 pages, 40 cents. | _Descriptive circulars sent free on request._ D. C. HEATH & CO., Publishers, Boston, New York, Chicago _REVISED AND ILLUSTRATED_ THE HEART OF OAK BOOKS