em moving.

At length they appeared to have settled the difficult point as to which
of the two should give way. The one which appeared the youngest lay
quietly down, while the other walked calmly over him, and pursued his
path contentedly.

Their example might well be followed by human beings in many of the
affairs of life, where a contest must prove destructive to both. Many a
bloody war might be averted, did nations imitate the example of these
two animals. Not, however, by bowing the neck to the yoke of a
conqueror, but by amicably settling differences. How many law-suits
might also be avoided by the same means.

And you, my young friends, understand that there is far more true
magnanimity and courage exhibited in giving way to others than in
battling for doubtful rights and privileges.

THE AFFECTIONATE SEAL.

If you have ever examined the head of a seal, with its large gentle
eyes, you will readily believe that the animal possesses a certain
amount of intellect, and is capable of very affectionate feelings.

The story I am about to tell you is a very sad one. Perhaps you will
recollect the seal in the Zoological Gardens, which used to come out of
its pond at the call of the French sailor to whom it belonged, and,
climbing up while he sat on a chair, put its fins round his neck and
give him a kiss. How it immediately obeyed him when he told it to go
back to the water, and how adroitly it used to catch the fish which he
threw to it. I remember also hearing of a seal in Shetland which would
return with its prey in its mouth on being summoned by the owner.

But the seal I am going to tell you about belonged to a gentleman in the
west of Ireland, near the sea. This seal was so tame, and so attached
to its master, that it would follow him about like a dog, and seemed
much pleased whenever allowed to lick his hand.

People in that part of the country are sadly ignorant and superstitious.
Two bad harvests having succeeded each other, the foolish inhabitants
took it into their heads that the disaster was caused by the innocent
seal. So many were the complaints they made, some people even
threatening the owner, that, fearing the life of his favourite would be
endangered, he was obliged to consent to its being sent away. Having
been put on board a boat, it was taken to some distance and then thrown
into the sea. Very shortly afterwards, however, it found its way back
to its beloved master. Still anxious t