Norwich bulletin., 1913-11-15
SAYING AND MEANING

obtain favor or notice from their mas
ters., animals feign an affection. which
will not stand the test Of contradic-
ton.
Birds do the same when in captivi
ty. Parrots are proverbially given to
catolery when they want attention, al
though they are quite the opposite
after having obtained their desire.
Even cats selfish as they are
claimed to be. will pretend to be af
fectionate when 1t serves their turn.
Who has not seen the pet cat lure her
mistress from the room by some
strategy only to secure the softest
cushion for herself.
The dog, noble animal as he is, will
employ all manner of devices to
show his desire to please. when a
closed door shuts him out from a
warm room he wants to enter. Once
inside. he forgets all except his own
comfort
Absolute truthfulness belongs to
plant life alone. When it come ito
trusted to deal sincerely. Seed time
and harvest follow each other in due
order, if man does not interfere.
Sow and We shall reap is a sure
primise Good return from good seed,
not grapes from thorns nor figs from
thistels.
The Bulletin gives US in every Sat
urdays issue the experience of a
practical farmer. He evidently finds
that Mother Nature repays honest eX-
ertton with a generous return of the
expected harvest. Does he SOW grain
to reap fruit? Not so. Like comes
from like, and can be depended upon,
when all else fails. Good advice he
frequently gives as to helping Nature
| not hindering her and many a bub
BILE of mans interference is punctured
! by his merciless decision. He evident
! ~ does not believe in saying smooth
| things to cover defects in the work
| he has undertaken to portray.
! An example of truthfulness in Ma
! lures dealings came under my obser-
| walton daily. A rnododendron grows
| in my sight. native of New Eng
| land, it was placed in it's present po-
sition in it's infancy, and there year
after year it has grown and remained
true rs ever in it's response to the
weather. 1t is never-failing Their
! mometer. During the summer, and
in all mild weather, it extends its
| smooth, glossy green leaves to the sun
| and dew, and rejoices in the warmth
of the genial air. In winter, let a
cold day intervene. and its leaves roll
! up closer and closer, till in intensely
severe weather they become nothing
but little brown pipes, tightly folded
upon themselves All their freshness
and beauty are lost when they are In
the grasp of midwinter's chill. Let the
weather relax, ana they 90 likewise,
| regaintng their usual shape and color
They remind me OF many people
who can remain cordial and respons-
i've in prosperity, but let adversely ov-
ertake one, and away goes all their
pretence of friendliness. and they
show all the ugliness inherent in their
nature. Fair weather friends we cal
such, and well do they deserve the
name. They say smooth things with
out meaning them, and must be taker
at their own valuation, not to be re-
lied upon when direst need demand
faithful service.
From all such may we pray to be
delivered. Still fair weather friends
are better than none and help to while
away the passing hour. They give
pleasure in many ways, and we enjoy
them, although we know well, that
they would fail US in an emergency
and can not be depended upon when
the storms of life assail us.
AN IDLER