flowers from their long winter nap, and
called to the birds and the brooks to begin their songs. When they came
to the little brown cradle, they stopped to rest, and Baby Caterpillar
began to get very warm under the thick blanket. She woke up and
stretched herself, and her cradle broke, and she came out to greet the
Spring. But what a change! Instead of the old dingy dress that she
went to sleep in, she now had a beautiful yellow one; and, instead of
crawling among the leaves, she flew up and away into the sweet spring
air to play with the sunbeams and flowers; and the little children
called her a butterfly.

Five Little Indian Brothers

Once there were five little brothers living in Farmer Lane's barn. There
were a great many other children there, too, but these little brothers
played by themselves, and chased each other across the wide floor of the
barn until they reached a corner where there was a large crack, and then
they could look out into the world. The first thing they saw was Farmer
Lane breaking up the rich brown earth with his plough, for Spring
had come, and told him it was time to do his planting, while the little
brothers were watching him, and wishing they could find a way to roll
out into the bright sunshine and help him, something happened. What do
you suppose it was?

A great brown hand came up behind them and in a moment they found
themselves in a wooden measure with many more of their friends. "What
is the matter?" said one little brother. "I don't know," said another.
"Maybe we are going to travel," said a third; while the two smallest
cuddled very closely together, and whispered, "We won't be afraid; God
will take care of us."

The measure was taken, out into the field, where Farmer Lane was
still at work, and soon, into the furrows made by the plow, the little
brothers were dropped one by one. They lay very still at first. It was
so strange and dark in their new home. By and by they found a friend, an
earth-worm, who told them wonderful stories, how God would take care of
them, and some day would give them a new life. Then the little brothers
were glad and hoped it would be soon. Thus the days went by. The warm
spring showers moistened the earth, and the sun shone so brightly that
the brothers danced for joy way down in their dark home. What do you
suppose happened when they danced? Why, their old coats split open, and
some little hands came out. They were helpful hands, too, and went