began to fall, and the long evenings set in, Frank acknowledged, that every season has its pleasures, when he saw the blazing fire, and shared in the Christmas gambols, which his papa had allowed to take place, with some of his young companions, who were invited to spend the holidays with him.

On New-year's day, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon distributed some presents among the children; and Frank was not a little pleased with his gift, which proved to be a magic lantern, with a variety of glasses, on which were painted beasts, birds, fishes, and views of cities and towns, with many other instructive and amusing subjects. In the evening, Frank assembled his companions in a small room, which had a white curtain hung against one of the walls: and opposite

lantern was placed upon a table. When Mr. Vernon had prepared the glasses for exhibition, he ordered the candles to be taken out of the room, and by the light reflected from the lantern, the children beheld all the figures, moving on the wall, nearly as large as life. Mr. Vernon took the trouble of explaining the subjects, to the great amusement of the young party. 90Frank was a grateful boy, and always wished to be able to make some return to those who had done him any favour: his grandpapa having presented him with a guinea, he asked his papa if he would allow him to expend part of it on a newyear's gift for the gardener, in return for the trouble he had taken in teaching him to cultivate his little garden. Mr. Vernon was much pleased with his son for his kind intention, and granted bell

telling him that, for one half of his guinea, he might purchase a very useful garden

ing book, which was just published, and which Mr. Vernon ordered his bookseller to send him.

In a few days the book arrived, and Frank never felt more happy in receiving a gift, than he now did in presenting one to William, who was much pleased with it; and Frank had the pleasure of hearing the praises of his papa and mamma, for spending his money in so judicious a manner, in preference to purchasing toys, or sweetmeats, for himself; and he obtained many indulgences from his good parents. He applied so assiduously to all his lessons, during the winter, that when those months had passed away, his improvement in all he had been taught was very great. And now the snow was fast disanness

frisking beside their mothers, and every thing seemed to wear a cheerful appearance. Frank observed the husbandmen actively employed in the fields; and when he saw how eagerly William took advantage of the fine weather, to plant and sow, he collected his tools together, and regularly worked an hour or two every day. William gave him some strawberry-plants, with which he formed a border round his garden, to save room. He found his wild rose-trees and woodbines full of buds, and the crocuses and snowdrops were already in flower. On one part of his ground he sowed the seeds of early vegetables; and when he had finished his own work, he begged his papa to allow him to assist William occasionally, that he might become acquainted with the names of the trees, shrubs and ro