The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-05-22

C7OW is the witching hour of spring,
NJ when the trees are feathered with
tender green and wild flowers car
EIs&3I pet the earth-and churchyards
yawn in a genial invitation to the
foolish to enter after they have spent an
afternoon reclining the sweet, new
grass. Now is the time of year when the
watchful parents, who have successfully
guarded their little hocks during the win
ter from colds, grippe and tonsilitis, proud
~ lead them forth to the woods or parks
10 partake freely Of inhammatory rheuma-
tism and sore threats they sit the
soft wet mosses-just as Mamma Duck,
with the unerring instincts of her race chat
sixth which Ernest Thompson Sc
ton, or Ernest Seton Thompson, or what
ever his name is. loves to dwell ON. leads
her little brood into the icy water, where
all of the darlings may enjoy a grand swim
before dying OF cramp and other duck trou-
bles.
The park-bound cars were often filled with
happy groups this last week-joyous folks
loaded down with baskets containing good
Things 10 eat Later on in the dav the
ety-Douhd cars would bring the picnickers
back TO town loaded down this time with
wflsne I.s VIC movers and fruit branches
tat were damned into the eyes and noses
OF the other passengers, who had not been
a-Mayfng. Teacher" was often ar tbe ~
OF tiese little excursions. n certain school
ma am started out one afternoon as tho
captain OF a merry band of youngsters she
was full OF enthusiasm, was Teacher-the
enthusiasm which the gentle spring-time
engenders. She would point out nature
10 these sweet, eager seekers after knowI-
edge and she would combine for them an
afternoon OF pleasure with an afternoon of
profit.
When the youngsters left the car upon
arriving at the park they marched in spien-
did order. with Teacher in command. across
the broad stretch of green sward. The in
nocent prattle of the little girls as they hur-
ried along. swinging their baskets. and the
merry laughter of the clean-faced boys.
caused Teacher to say TO herself that IL was
a great good which she was accomplishing
But this fond dream to be OF short
duration. For soon, n short distance away,
q saucy little rabbit put in an appearance.
He winked his eye at the boys, turned up
his nose at the girls and waved challenge
20 everybody with his wicked little tail as
he slipped off into the underbrush. And 10!
Teacher left alone. deserted and
forgotten, while the boys were off like a
shot and out of sight in an instant, and
the sweet-patured maidens were tearing
after. praying that they might, at least,
be in at the death. Teacher. a little net
tied succeeded. In the course of a half
hour. in getting her forces together again
and had Just finished lecture In voice
full of tears and extracted promise from
the youngsters that they would stick right
by her side" when. with whoop OF glee.
one boy caught sight or the boats on the
stream He gave vent 10 ear-splitting
yell. which was taken up at once by his
companions and the little army of inno-
cents dashed excitedly down the hill. pay
ing no attention TO Teachers strenuous
objections.
Teacher arrived at the foot of the hill
lust in the nick o time TO yank one IN
fanf out of the water where he was stand
ing in his shoes and stockings. haul out two
OF the little girls from private canoe and
shake the breath out of the 'hatefulest enid
alive Who had deliberately tried 10 push
the two little girls overheard That this
excursion had been planned expressly 10 OBJ
fresh air teacher now attempted 10 hammer
into the heads OF the little angels, but
the dears paid not the slightest attention