THE TRAIN.

George Stephenson and a friend were once looking at a train. Trains in
those days were not so common as they are now, and George asked his
friend what he thought propelled or drove the train along. His friend
answered, 'Probably the arm of some stalwart north-country driver.'

'No,' said George; 'it is the heat and light of the sun which shone
millions of years ago, which has been bottled up in the coal all this
time, and which is now driving that train.'

CATCHING BIRDS UNDER WATER.

'It is impossible to catch a bird under water,' most people would say.
But they would be wrong! Now and then the Leigh fishermen take birds in
their nets below the surface of the water. The birds are of a diving
species, and they often dive into the nets after the fish. They then get
entangled in the nets, and cannot come to the surface for air, and are
drowned. Thus it is that the fishermen catch birds as well as fish in
their nets.

THE MUSIC OF THE NATIONS.

XI.-SOME SIAMESE INSTRUMENTS.

[Illustrated]

The kingdom of Siam, though small compared with such huge countries as
Hindustan and China, takes up the chief part of the great Malay
peninsula. With the exception of Japan, no Eastern country has made such
wonderful advancement in civilised improvements as Siam. Telegraphs,
tramways, railways, and electric lighting form part of the equipment of
this go-ahead kingdom. The army was many years ago modelled on the
British system, and trained by European officers, and the King, a man of
considerable cultivation, welcomes foreigners as teachers of Western
ways.

Bangkok, the capital, is a curiously picturesque city, the architecture
being of the most original design, whilst the decoration of the many
temples, gilded minarets, roofs of gaily coloured tiles, and quaint
pagodas, make quite a feast of colour to European eyes. The native
costumes are in keeping with their surroundings, graceful in form and
bright in colour. Many of the natives live practically on the water, as
for miles above and below the capital, on both sides of the river,
floating houses are moored, supported either on rafts or on bundles of
bamboos.

Music has always played an important part in the national life, and the
present King has greatly encouraged the art. Both men and women all over
the country are more or less musical, and a great number play some form
of instrument, often joining in concerted music. The Siamese have four