Besides this, I have often afforded a temporary shelter from the suns and storms, and thus refreshed many a weary traveller on his way. Then, more than once, I have seen such pleasure light up the faces of some who have gazed at my spreading branches, when the leaves were young and green, and shining in the sun-light, that I have rejoiced to think I could make any one look so happy, even though it were but for a few minutes. And now, my friend, seeing that the dust has found its own place again, if you want a good piece of work, blow away at that noisome vapour hanging so heavily over the great city yonder."

APRIL.

66 TRUE TO THE KINDRED POINTS OF HEAVEN AND

HOME."

"CUCKOO! cuckoo !" cried the bird, one fine April morning, as she alighted among the apple blossoms in an old orchard, and thus announced her return from her travels, to a number of birds who were busily engaged around. As the cuckoo repeated her name in an emphatic voice, the curiosity of a sparrow, who had been gossipping with a neighbour on the top of the sunny orchard wall, was greatly excited to know the reason of so unexpected a visit, and proposed therefore to her friend the swallow, that they should go and hear what the cuckoo had to say. On entering the old tree

they found a blackbird, and a robin, already engaged in conversation with the cuckoo, but the sparrow, who never allowed herself to be thrown into the background, immediately exclaimed, "This is indeed a pleasure, to see so rare a visitor, how seldom it is that one gets even a peep at you!" True," replied the cuckoo, "I have but little time for idle visits; and living in lodgings, though it has many recommendations, has yet one inconvenience, and that is, that really one cannot friends to find one out;

expect one's indeed I am never two days in the same place. Nevertheless I am always pleased to see my friends well and happy, as I hope you all are." "Happy!" said the little swallow, "yes, I am as happy as the day is long. Oh! we have had such pleasant times building the nest, and Mr. Fleetwing is so very attentive. He does all the hard work, such as digging up the clay, and mixing the mud, whilst