The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1875-05-15
THE FARMERS PARROT.

One beautiful Spring farmer, after
working busily for several weeks, succeeded
in planting one of the largest fields in corn;
but the neighboring crows committed sad
havoc with it. The farmer, however, not
| being willing that the germs of a future
| crop should be destroyed by either fair OF
| foul means, determined to drive the bold
marauders to their nests. Accordingly, he
loaded his rusty gun, with the intention of
giving them upon their next visit a warm
reception.
Now the farmer had parrot, as talkative
and mischievous as those birds usually are;
and being very tame it was allowed it's
freedom to come and go at pleasure
Pretty Poll being lover of company,
without much caring whether good or bad,
! hoped over all distractions, and was soon
engaged in the farmer-like occupation Of
raising corn.
The farmer with his gun sailed forth
| Reaching his cornfield he saw at glance
| Though he overlooked the parrot the state
of affairs. Levelling his gun, he fired, and
with the report was heard the death scream
of three crows, and an agonizing shrek
from poor Poll.
| On looking among the murdered crows,
great was the farmers surprise to see
stretched upon the ground his mschevous
broken leg.
"You foolish Bird cried the farmer,
"this comes of keeping bad company"
On carrying it to the house, the children,
| seeing it's wounded leg, exclaimed:
"What did it, papa-what hurt our
pretty Poll9"
Bad company-bad company" answer
ed the parrot in solemn voice.
cay, that it was," said the farmer.
"Poll was with those wicked crows when
l fired, and received shot intended for
them. Remember the parrots fate, chill
dren, and beware of bad company
With these words the farmer turned
round, and with the aid of his wife band
aged the broken leg, and in few weeks
| the parrot was as lively as ever, but never
forgot its adventure in the corn field; and
if ever the farmers children engaged in
play with quarrelsome companions, it in
variably dispersed them with its cry, Bad
company-bad company
Christian Weekly.
HINTS FROM THE PosTMAsTER.-The
people generally have an idea that Post
masters and their assistants are an orna-
mental rather than useful portion of the
Government, and that they really have
nothing whatever to do but wait upon call
ers and accommodate their every within and
always be sure to have letters for them.
For the benefit of this class the following
hints may be of service, though we have
not forgotten that "you can't make a silk
purse out of a sow's ear
When you call at the Office for your mail,
and the Postmaster hands it out, ask him
if that is all. If you ask for mail, and he
tells you there is none, tell him there ought
to be. Then 60 home and send all the rest
of the family around to ask at different
times through the day. Don't bring your
mail to the office until the mail is closed,
then jaw the Postmaster for not opening
the mail bag, and putting your letter in.
When you want stamp on your letter tell
the Postmaster to put it on; if he don't
like it, lick him. In case you put it on
YOURSELF soak it in your mouth long enough
to remove the muclage; it will then stick
until it is dry. Be sure and ask the Post
master to credit you for stamps; if he has
any accommodation about him he will do
it. If you have box, stand and drum on
it until the Postmaster hands out your
MALL it makes him feel good especially if
he is waiting on somebody else. Be sure
and ask the Postmaster for your mail while
he is distributing and before the window
is open for delivery.
eB The young folks say, if live until
Y