year a vineyard is a pretty sight. The broad
leaves of the vine are tinted with crimson and gold. Beneath them are
the purple or golden grapes.

4. As I passed through France the grapes were ripe, and were being
gathered. I could see women and children going up and down between the
rows of vines. They plucked the ripe fruit and put it into baskets. When
the baskets were filled they were emptied into a big tub.

[Illustration: THE GRAPE HARVEST.

(From the picture by P.M. Dupuy in the Salon of 1909. Bought by the
State.)]

5. When the tub was filled it was taken to a building near at hand. In
this building there is a press which squeezes the juice out of the
grapes. The grape juice is then made into wine.

6. As evening drew on we came to a large town where two big rivers meet.
It is a busy town, and has many smoky chimneys. Much silk and velvet are
made in this town.

7. I think you know that silk is made by the silkworm. This worm feeds
on the leaves of the mulberry tree. In the south of France there are
thousands of mulberry trees. There are also many orange and olive trees.

8. The weather is much warmer in the south of France than it is in
England. In the early spring all sorts of pretty flowers are grown on
the hillsides. They are sent to England, and are sold in the shops when
our gardens are bare.

9. Now I must hurry on. For some hours we ran by the side of a swift
river; with mountains on both sides of us. Then we reached the big
seaport, and there I found my ship waiting for me.

10. It is a huge ship, with hundreds of cabins, a large dining-room,
drawing-room and smoking-room. It is really a floating hotel.

11. Most of the people on board are going to India. All day long they
sit in chairs on the deck reading. Some of us play games, and at night
we have dances and concerts.

[Illustration: GAMES ON BOARD FATHER'S SHIP.

(From the picture by W.L. Wylie. By kind permission of the P. and O.
Co.)]

12. We have now been four days at sea. To-morrow we shall reach a town
by the side of a great canal. This town and canal are in Egypt.

13. I hope you are still good and happy.--Best love to you all. FATHER.

* * * * *

5. A LETTER FROM EGYPT.

1. MY DEAR CHILDREN,--With this letter I am sending you a beautiful
picture. Look at it carefully, and you will see what Egypt is like.

2. The water which you see in the picture is part of the great river
Nile. If there w