every ocean, which is a much larger body
of water, there are many such bays.

"The narrow strip of water, which a boat is just entering, is called a
strait. The strait separates the island from the mainland."

Stretching far away to the east was flat, level land, which father
called a plain. Scattered here and there were many farmhouses and quiet
villages. Little bright, sparkling streams wound their way like silver
threads through the green grass of the meadows. It was a lovely scene
indeed!

The sun was already low in the west as we made ready to return. As it
set--

A wonderful glory of color,
A splendor of shifting light--
Orange and scarlet and purple
Flamed in the sky so bright.

LESSON XXVIII.

SPRING.

Drops of rain and bits of sunshine
Falling here and gleaming there,
Tiny blades of grass appearing.
Tell of springtime bright and fair.

Budding leaves are gently swaying,
Merry glad notes sweetly ring;
Robins, bluebirds, gayly singing,
Tell of happy, pleasant spring.

Violets, in blue and purple,
By the twinkling water clear;
Fair spring beauties, frail and dainty,
Tell the story, spring is here.

Cherry, peach, and apple blossoms
Scattering fragrance far and wide;
Buttercups and pure white snowdrops
Tell of gracious, sweet springtide.

Lillian Cox.

LESSON XXIX.

USEFUL VEGETABLES.

In the heart of a seed buried deep, so deep, A dear little plant lay
fast asleep. "Wake!" said the sunshine, "and creep to the light."

"Wake!" said the voice of the raindrops bright.

The little plant heard, and it rose to see

What the wonderful outside world might be.

[Illustration: A SPROUT.]

What vegetables grow in your neighborhood?

[Illustration: A VINE BEGINNING TO GROW.]

Of which do we use the roots as food? Of which the leaves? Of which the
seeds? Of which the stems or stalks?

Which is the most useful garden vegetable? There is no common garden
vegetable so highly thought of as the potato. How are potatoes planted?

Answer the questions in writing so as to make a little composition about
vegetables.

LESSON XXX.

USEFUL GRAINS.

Wheat and corn are called grain because they are small, hard seeds What
other kinds of grain can you name?

[Illustration; RIPE WHEAT.]

Which of these grains is used the most? Which makes the choicest flour?

Some kinds of wheat are sown in the spring. These are called