afternoon job; but, as the log was large and hard, I often
had to stop and rest a minute. While I was standing still, with my hands
upon one handle of the saw, all at once a bird came flying down towards
me; and, after resting upon the ground behind the log a few moments,
what do you suppose he did?

Whether he knew I was tired, and thought it was too hard for me to cut
the wood all alone, I cannot say; but suddenly he gave a little spring,
and seated himself right on the other handle of my saw, as you see in
the picture, grasping it with all the hands he had, and looking as
though he had come on purpose to help me saw that log through.

[Illustration]

For my part, I rather think he did help me; for, while he kept his hold
upon the other end of the saw, I _rested_ faster than I ever did before.
I stood as motionless as a statue; for I feared that any movement would
scare the bird away.

How soon I should have got through my sawing with his help, I cannot
tell. But suddenly he seemed to think of something more important; and
away he went, like a streak of sunshine, off into the woods beyond me.

I have never seen my sawyer-bird since then. I call him my "sawyer-bird"
because I don't know how else to name him. He was a strange bird to me:
but he seemed like a good friend; and I shall always remember him as he
looked when trying to help me work that winter's day.

UNCLE WILLIAM.

[Illustration]

THE OLD BLIND MAN AND HIS GRANDDAUGHTER.

SILVER-WHITE his locks are straying
As upon the bench he sits,
While his little grandchild, playing,
Round about him sings and flits.

Calmly there, and unrepining,
Waits he--he is old and blind;
But the sun is brightly shining,
And the soft spring airs are kind.

"Ah! if he could once, once only,
See the splendor of the vale!
He, so old and weak and lonely,
See the trees wave in the gale!"

Then his little daughter, pressing
Up against the old man's knee,
With her childish, soft caressing,
Filled his heart with boyish glee.

Through her eyes once more beholding
All the glories of the spring,
Now his youth once more unfolding,
Hope and joy and beauty bring.

FROM THE GERMAN.

PAP