Mexico Missouri message., 1916-04-06
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WOOD CRAFT STORY
FOR LITTLE CHILDREN
First Series.

<SS0 UN for your lives screams the Blue Jay,
9N as man and his little son enter the forest
Selecting nice grassy spot, they proceed
to erect their tent and make things comfortable
for a camp in the woods.
Run, Brother Rabbit" again screams the Jay.
Which was not really necessary for at the first
sound of alarm Brother Rabbit always shows his
heels The Blue Jay continued to sound the alarm
and in less than minute the woods were quiet.
Not an animal was to be seen. Brother Red Squlr
rel at the sound of alarm ran into Brother Gray
Squirrels home, only to be promptly put out at
the front door. There had been feud between
these families that dated back from the time the
big sycamore was only little sprout.'
Brother and Sister Muskrat were just in the act
of putting the finishing touches their new.
bungalow, and they plunged into the water and
took refuge in the basement of their home For
they always are very particular who comes to see
them, so make their door under the water.
The Blue lay followed the scampering animals
around the bend of the creek. Brother Terrapin
was the first to stop running, for he wasn't built
for speed Soon several of his little friends gath
cred around for they all trusted in his knowledge
and advice. Why shouldn't they? He
almost hundred years old and, if fellow is ever
going to learn anything he surely will by that time.
My, oh, my painted the Coon, Il can hardly
get my breath" At which Sister Opossum grinned.
That did not ruffle the Coon's feelings for she
always grins at everything, so Brother Terrapin
says.
Il saw them first" said the Blue Jay, who was
afraid his part in the affair would be overlooked.
SO flying from branch to another, now on
the ground, now on the bush he told them in ex-
cited manner how his keen hearing had caught
the sound of foot steps and had spread the alarm
and had saved every one in the woods
When the Yellow Hammer remarked to the
Robin that the Jay first cousin to the Hawk,
the Jay became very angry and flew away scold-
ing as he went Why is it fellow will bring up
these unknd things though they some
times true?
What will we do" asks the thoughtful Mocker,
who thinking of two pretty eggs right close
to where the man had just built his fire.
Run them away" says the Owl Which was
happy thought and the right fellow in the right
place. for the Owl is one bird that makes noise
when he flies. AS it had grown dark by this time,
he was the only one who could see what was going
on in the dark. So with noseess wings DR.. Owl
took his post in leafy tree close to where the
freight fell upon the and his little boy
as the father outlined the plans for their stay.
above ALL" the Owl heard the father say, don't
hurt any of our little feathered friends, each
has his mission to fill in this world. Were it not
for the birds your dad would not be able to raise
any wheat. So instead of frightening the little
friends that are around you will soon grow
fond of them"
The Owl waited to hear more, but hastily
made his report, at which the Mocker quickly
made her way to the precious eggs Each little
friend prepared for bed Sister Opossum remarked,
as she carefully tucked ten little babies in her
pouch, q bid you all fond'good night"
L. R. Ferris.