15. The bargain was made. The heavy clumsy boots were purchased and worn. Day by day the poor widow's cow was driven to and from the field. And all this has been done amid the jeers and laughter of his schoolfellows, which have been silently endured by the brave boy. He went on quietly with his task, knowing he was doing right, and that neither his employment, however humble, nor his boots, however clumsy, was any real injury to his character.

16. And now, ladies and gentlemen, knowing how very hard it is for any of us, and still more for a young boy, to endure the laughter and ridicule of his companions, even when doing what is right and noble, I ask you if this is not true heroism.

17. Nay, Watson, my boy, do not try to hide yourself behind that black-board. You are not afraid of ridicule, you must not be afraid of praise.

As Watson advanced to receive the medal, with blushing cheeks and downcast eye, the hearty rounds of applause told how he had won all hearts by his conduct. Jackson and his friends felt thoroughly ashamed of themselves, and at once came forward to seek the forgiveness and the friendship of the boy they had wronged.

What common mistake is made both by boys and men in judging of other people? What did the boys see on going to school? What strong temptation did these boys feel? How did Jackson behave himself? How did Watson reply to Jackson? What was there peculiar in Watson's dress? Give the explanation of Watson's conduct. Show in what respects Watson proved himself a hero. How did Jackson act when he heard the whole truth?

1. "Oh, blessed, blessed rain!" thus breathed the corn,

Raising its withered head
From off its hot and parched bed,

Unfolding leaf and flower

To catch the summer shower,

2. "Oh, blessed, blessed rain!" sang forth the grass, In chorus low and deep,

From hill, and vale, and steep,

One joyous lay it sent

Up to the firmament,

3. "Oh, blessed, blessed rain!" murmured the brook, "Again I flow along,

To my old familiar song;
My tripping, silver feet

Glide to the measure sweet,

Thank God!"

4. Oh, blessed, blessed rain!" sang shrub and tree,
Spreading their branches wide
To catch the joyous tide
That downward rushed headlong
Joining the grateful song,

"Thank God!"

5. “Oh, blessed, blessed rain!" was whispered forth From every shady nook

And every tiny brook;

E'en the dry and dusty street
Echoed, in numbers sweet,
"Thank God!"

6. "Oh, blessed, blessed rain!" the insects sang;
Gay butterfly and bee
Swelled loud the melody;

Bird, beast, each in its way,
Joined in the happy lay,

7. "Oh, blessed, blessed rain!" man utters forth;

"Praise to our God above,
The fountain of all love,

For sunshine and for rain,
Bless we His name again:
Thank God!"

1. Italy is a very interesting country. Its history for many centuries was the history of the world. More than 1800 years ago it was the centre of civilization. Several of the most celebrated nations of antiquity fell under its power.

2. No nation, except perhaps our own, ever established so many colonies. France, Spain, and England rose from a state of barbarism as colonies of the Roman empire. Wherever the Roman armies went, they left their mark. They constructed splendid roads, built fine towns, erected great walls or fortifications, and did much to improve the manners and customs of the people amongst whom they settled.

3. England indeed owes much to these colonists. London, Bath, and most of the towns that end in ter,

as Manchester, Lancaster, Exeter, &c., were Roman colonies, and many of the great roads in our country were originally constructed by them.

4. Italy itself is a long peninsula in the south of Europe, stretching in a south-easterly direction between the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas.

5. Its physical features are very simple. A long range of mountains, called the Apennines, runs down its entire length, sometimes approaching the Mediterranean and at others inclining towards the Adriatic. On each side of these mountains are beautiful fertile plains, intersected by short, and in some parts, rapid rivers.

6. One of these plains, the Plain of Lombardy, is inclosed on three sides by very high mountains. It is watered by numerous rivers, and has on its northern side some of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes to be found in the world. It is so fertile, that many of the plants and fruits of warmer countries grow there to perfection.

7. The climate of Italy is dry and warm, with bright, blue skies during the greater part of the year. Some parts, however, are very unhealthy, especially in the districts around Rome. Here there are great areas of ill-drained land and marsh, which render it uninhabitable during six months of the year. 8. "There are bright scenes beneath Italian skies, Where glowing suns their purest light diffuse, Uncultured flowers in wild profusion rise,

And nature lavishes her warmest hues;

But trust thou not her smile, her balmy breath;
Away! her charms are but the pomp of death."