292 TWENTY-FLRST EVENLNG.

Mr. E. But I suppose you could easily turn the
wheel, and draw out threads, ike that good woman.

Ch. Not without some practice, I fancy. But what
is that boy doing?

Jac. He is cutting pegs for the shoemakers, master.

Ch. How quick he does them!

Jac. It is but poor employment, but better than
being idle. The first lesson I teach my children 18,
that their hands were made to get their bread with.

Mr. H. And a very good lesson, too.

Ch. What is this heap of twigs for ?

Jac. Why, master, my biggest boy and girl have
learned a little how to make basket-work, so I have
vot them a few osiers, to employ them at leisure hours.
That bird-cage is their making; and the back of that
chair, in which their grandmother sits.

Ch. Is not that cleverly done, papa?

Mr. FE. It is, indeed. Here are several arts, you
see, in this house, which both you and I should be
much puzzled to set about. But there are some books,
too, I perceive.

Ch. Hereis a Bible, and a Testament, and a Prayer-
book, and a Spelling-book, and a volume of the Gar-
dener’s Dictionary.

Mr. EF. And how many of your family can read, my
friend ?

Jac. All the children, but the two youngest, can
read a little, sir; but Meg, there, is the best scholar
among us. She reads us a chapter in the Testament
every morning, and very well too, though I say it.

Mr. H. Do you hear that, Charles ?

Ch. I do, sir. Here’s an almanack, too, against the
wall; and here are my favourite ballads of the Children
in the Wood, and Chevy-Chase.

Jac. I let the children paste them up, sir, and a few
more, that have no harm in them. There’s Hearts of
Oak, Rule Britannia, and Robin Gray.

ily, H. A very good choice, indeed. I see you have
a very pretty garden there, behind the house.