ather told him, that it was by no means reasonable, that the
industrious should give up part of their labour to feed the idle. "If
your tree," said he, "has produced you nothing, it is but a just reward
of your indolence, since you see what the industry of your brother has
gained him. Your tree was equally full of blossoms, and grew in the
same soil; but you paid no attention to the culture of it. Your brother
suffered no visible insect to remain on his tree; but you neglected that
caution, and left them even to eat up the very buds. As I cannot bear to
see even plants perish through neglect, I must now take this tree from
you, and give it to your brother, whose care and attention may possibly
restore it to its former vigour. The fruit it shall produce must be his
property, and you must no longer consider yourself as having any right
therein. However, you may go to my nursery, and there choose any other
which you may like better, and try what you can do with it; but, if you
neglect to take proper care of it, I shall also take that from you, and
give it to your brother, as a reward for his superior industry and
attention."

This had the desired effect on William, who clearly perceived the
justice and propriety of his father's reasoning, and instantly got into
the nursery, to choose the most thriving apple-tree he could there meet
with. His brother Thomas assisted him in the culture of his tree,
advising him in what manner to proceed; and William made the best use of
his time, and the instructions he received from his brother. He left off
all his mischievous tricks, forsook the company of idle boys, and
applied himself cheerfully to work; and in autumn received the reward of
his labour, his tree being then loaded with fruit.

From this happy change in his conduct, he derived the advantage, not
only of enriching himself with a plentiful crop of fruit, but also of
getting rid of bad and pernicious habits. His father was so perfectly
satisfied with his reformation, that the following season he gave him
and his brother the produce of a small orchard, which they shared
equally between them.

[Illustration]

MISCHIEF ITS OWN PUNISHMENT,

EXEMPLIFIED IN THE HISTORY OF

WILLIAM AND HARRY.

[Illustration]

Mr. Stevenson and his little son Richard, as they were one fine day
walking in the fields together, passed by the side of a garden, in which
they saw a beautiful pear-tree loaded with fruit. Richard cast a long