9. Not so with the bear. She was aware of the close proximity of her cruel enemy; and she had just cleared the briers and squared herself for action, when the deer, with a beautiful and powerful spring, jumped directly over the bear's head, and disappeared.

10. At the moment it took the leap, the panther was close upon it, and was just balancing himself for a spring, when he perceived, to his astonishment, that he was faced by a formidable adversary, not the least disposed to run. He crouched, lashing his flanks with his long tail, while the bear, about five yards from him, remained like a statue, looking at the panther with her fierce, glaring eyes.

11. One minute they remained thus, the sides of the panther heaving with exertion, he being much agitated and apparently undecided; but the bear was perfectly calm and motionless. Gradually the panther crawled backward, till at a right distance for a spring; then, throwing his weight upon his hind parts to increase his power, he darted upon the bear like lightning, and fixed his claws into her back.

12. The bear, with irresistible force, seized the panther with her fore paws, pressing him with the weight of her body, and rolling over him. I heard a heavy groan, a plaintive howl, a crashing of bones, and the panther was dead.

13. The cub of the bear came to ascertain what was going on; and, after a few minutes' examination of the victim, it strutted down the slope of the hill, followed by its mother who was apparently unhurt.

14. I did not attempt to prevent their retreat; for, among real hunters in the wilds, there is a feeling which restrains them from attacking an animal which has just been engaged in a deadly strife.

15. This mode of evading its pursuer is a very common one with the deer, when chased by the panther. Exhibitions of this instinct, in leading the panther to the haunt of the bear, I have often witnessed; but I never knew the deer to turn, as in this instance.

QUESTIONS.-1. What is here said of the black bear? 2. What does the panther do to her cubs? 3. What is said of the deer and panther? 4. What did the deer discover? 7. Where did it lead the panther? 9. What did it do? 11. What did the panther do to the bear? 12. What, the bear to the panther? 13. How did the cub appear? 14. Why did not the hunter prevent their retreat? 15. Is this a common practice of the deer when chased by a panther? Give the elements in the word exhibition. 14. Point out the digraphs in this paragraph, and tell how they should be pronounced.

LESSON

2. Scorn'er, one that scorns, a scoffer.
2. Tri'umph, cause of joy, victory.
2. An'nals, books containing the history
of events in the order of time.

ERRORS.

XXXI.

2. Dis-tin"guish-ed, eminent, celebrated. 3. Wreck, ruins; here, the old man.

4. Couch, a bed.

5. Wan'ders, rambles here and there.

· Poo role for poor old; his zand for his hand; fu'ter for future.

SPEAK KINDLY.

1. SPEAK kindly to that poor old man ;
Pick up his fallen cane,

And place it gently in his hand,
That he may walk again.

2. A braver deed than scorners boast
Will be your triumph then, -
A braver deed than annals tell
Of some distinguished men.

3. Pass on; but think once more of him,-
The wreck that you have seen,-

How once, a happy boy like you,
He sported on the green:

4. A cloudless sky above his head,
The future bright and fair,

And friends all watching o'er his couch,
To breathe affection's prayer.

5. But, ah! the change! he wanders now,
Forsaken, lone, and sad;

Thrice blessed is the task of those

Who strive to make him glad.

Give the

QUESTIONS.-1. What should you do to the poor old man? 2. What will be your triumph then? 3, 4. What was this man once? 5. What is he now? elements in the word distinguished.

ERRORS.- Drown'ded for drown-ed; mis'ra-ble for mis'er-a-ble; me'di-ate-ly for im-me'di-ate-ly; years zold for years old; his pare for his spare.

THE LENT HALF DOLLAR.

1. "WHAT are you crying for?" said Arthur to a little ragged boy that he overtook on his way home from the village school. There was something in the peculiar manner of his crying, that led Arthur to think that there was some serious cause for it.

2. "I am hungry," said the boy, "and can't get any thing to eat."

3. “Why don't your mother give you something to eat?" said Arthur.

4. "She hasn't any thing for herself; and she is sick, and can't get up," said the boy.

5. "Where is your father?" asked Arthur.

6. "I haven't any," said he; "he was drowned off at sea."

7. "Where do you live?" said Arthur.

8. "Down there," said the boy, pointing to a miserable hut in a distant lane.

9. "Come with me," said Arthur, "and I'll get you something." The boy followed him. The boy followed him. He had a few cents in his pocket, just enough, as it proved, to buy a loaf of bread.

10. He gave it to the boy, and told him he would go home with him. The boy took the loaf; and, though he did not break it, he looked at it so wishfully, that Arthur took his knife, and cut off a piece for him to eat.

11. He ate it in a manner that showed he had not deceived Arthur when he told him that he was hungry. The tears came into Arthur's eyes, as he saw him swallow the dry bread with such eagerness.

12. When they came to the boy's home, Arthur went in, and saw a sad-looking woman on the bed; and two small children stood crying by her side. As he opened the door, he heard the eldest say, "Do, mother, give me something to eat!"

13. They stopped crying when Arthur and the boy went in. The boy ran to the bed, and gave his mother the loaf, and pointing to Arthur, said, "He bought it for me."

14. "Thank you," said the woman; "may God bless you, and give you the bread of eternal life."

15. The eldest little girl jumped up and down in her joy, and the youngest tried to seize the loaf, and struggled hard to do so, but did not speak.

16. Seeing that the widow's hands were weak, Arthur took the loaf, and cut off a piece for each of the children. He then gave it to the widow. She ate a small piece, then closed her eyes, and seemed to be engaged in silent prayer.

17. "She must be a good woman," thought Arthur. "I'll go and get something for you as quick as I can," said he, and departed.

18. He went to Mrs. Burton, a lady who lived near, and told her the story; and she immediately sent some provisions and other necessary articles, and promised to call upon the sick woman soon herself.

19. Arthur had a half dollar at home, which he wished to give the poor woman. His father gave it to him for watching sheep, and told him he must not spend it, but put it out at interest, or trade with it so as to make something.

20. He knew that his father would not let him give it away; for he very seldom gave money to the poor, and thought of little else beside making and hoarding it up.

21. Arthur's mother died when he was an infant; but great pains had been taken by his teacher to instill into his mind and heart kind and virtuous principles.

22. Arthur was now ten years old. He considered how he should help the poor widow; and, at length, he hit upon the following plan, which proved successful.

23. His father was very desirous that he should begin to act for himself in business matters. In making bargains, he wished him to exercise his own judgment. After the business was done, he would show