dens, at a little table under the trees. As I sat
there a man walked up the path. At once I heard a great chirping and a
flutter of wings.

[Illustration: {A man with birds}]

4. All the birds in the garden flocked to him. They seemed to know him
as an old friend. Some perched on his shoulders and some on his hat. One
bold little fellow tried to get into his pocket. It was a pretty sight
to see him feeding the birds.

5. In the gardens there were many nurses carrying babies. These nurses
were very gay indeed. They wore gray cloaks and white caps, with broad
silk ribbons hanging down their backs.

6. Some of the older children were playing ball, but they did not play
very well. Until a few years ago French boys had few outdoor games. Now
they are learning to play tennis and football.

7. French boys are always clean and neatly dressed, however poor they
may be. They think more about lessons than our boys do. Their school
hours are much longer than ours.

8. French girls have not so much freedom as our girls. A grown-up person
takes them to school and brings them home again. Their mothers do not
allow them to go for walks by themselves. I wonder how Kate and May
would like this.

9. Some day I must take you to see Paris. You would love to ramble
through its streets. Many of them are planted with trees. Under these
trees you may see men and women sitting at little tables. They eat and
drink while a band plays merry tunes.

[Illustration: {People at a table, being waited on}]

10. You would be sure to notice that the French people have very good
manners. When a Frenchman enters or leaves a shop he raises his hat and
bows. A Frenchman is always polite, and he always tries to please you.

11. I cannot now write anything more about Paris. I should like to tell
you about its beautiful buildings and its fine shops, but I have no more
time to spare.

12. I hope you are all doing your best to make mother happy. I am very
well; I hope you are well too.--Your loving FATHER.

* * * * *

4. ON THE WAY TO EGYPT.

1. MY DEAR CHILDREN,--I am writing this letter on board the big ship
which is taking me to Egypt. Let me tell you what I have seen and done
since I left Paris.

2. It is a long day's ride from Paris to the seaport from which my ship
set sail. Let me tell you about the journey. A few hours after leaving
Paris the train began to run through vineyards.

3. At this time of the