se. A false log, resembling wood, but
made of some composition which does not consume, is often used in that
country. It absorbs and throws out the heat, and adds to the looks of
the hearth and to the comfort of the room.

"The French have also a movable stove, which can be wheeled from room to
room, or even carried up or down stairs while full of burning coke. In
Russia the poorer people use a large porcelain stove, flat on top like
a great table, with a small fire inside which gives out a gentle,
summer-like warmth. It often serves as a bed for the whole family, who
sleep on top of it.

"There are, besides gas-stoves, oil-stoves, various methods of obtaining
warmth by heated air and steam, and, doubtless, other devices that I
never heard of.

"In some countries, however, no fires are needed. In looking at pictures
of tropical towns you will at once notice the absence of chimneys."

Fred looked admiringly at his mamma as she paused.

"There never was such a little mother," he said; "you can think of
something to say about everything."

His mamma was pleased at this pleasant compliment.

"Oh!" she replied, laughing, "I could go on and tell you more about
bonfires, beacon-fires, signals, drift-wood fires, and gypsy-tea fires;
but I have told you enough for to-day."

THE ICE-KING'S REIGN.

The sun had gone down with promises sweet,
When, keen from the north, the wind
Came blustering along on its coursers fleet,
And left frozen tracks behind.

Maude stood at the window; the moon shimmered down
On whirling leaves, stiff and dead,
All piteously driven; she turned with a frown,
And soft to herself she said:--

"The old tyrant Winter leaves nothing to prize,
Leaves nothing that's bright or fair;
He has stolen the blue from the bending skies,
The warmth from the earth and air.

"The summer's dear blossoms are withered and dead;
My garden is brown and bare;
The chipper of birds in the nest overhead
Is hushed, for no birdlings are here.

"The woodlands no longer are shady and sweet,
Dry leafage encumbers the ground;
The pathways, once verdant and soft to my feet,
In fetters of ice are bound.

"The pride of the barn-yard sits humped with the cold,
One frozen foot under his wing;
And the sheep huddle closely, for warmth, in their fold;
The ice tyrant reigns as king."

She turns