LESSON XLIX.
sel'dom, _not often; rarely_.

jun'gles, _places covered with trees and brushwood_.

tough (tuf), _not easily separated_.

ap par'ent ly, _seemingly; in appearance_.

a cute', _quick in action; sharp_.

charg'es, _rushes forward_.

gram'p us, _a kind of fish_.

re sumed', _started again; took up again_.

hid'e ous, _horrid to look at_.

de struc'tion, _death; entire loss_.

re sist', _stand against_.

des'per ate, _without hope or care_.

ex cur'sions, _journeys; rambles_.


*       *       *       *       *




THE RHINOCEROS.


Next to the mighty elephant, the rhinoceros is the largest and strongest
of animals. There are several species of the rhinoceros, some of which
are found in Asia, and others in different parts of Africa.

In the latter country there are four varieties--the black rhinoceros,
having a single horn; the black species having two horns; the
long-horned white rhinoceros; and the common white species, which has a
short, stubby horn.

The largest of the African species is the long-horned, white, or
square-nosed rhinoceros. When full-grown, it sometimes measures eighteen
feet in length, and about the same around the body. Its horn frequently
reaches a length of thirty inches.

The black rhinoceros, although much, smaller than the white, and seldom
having a horn over eighteen inches long, is far more ferocious than the
white species, and possesses a wonderful degree of strength.

The form of the rhinoceros is clumsy, and its appearance dull and heavy.
The limbs are thick and powerful, and each, foot has three toes, which
are covered with broad, hoof-like nails.

The tail is small; the head very long and large. Taken altogether, there
are few--if any--animals that compare with the rhinoceros in ugliness.

The eyes are set in such a manner that the animal can not see any thing
exactly in front of it; but the senses of hearing and smelling are so
keen that sight is not required to detect an enemy, whether it be man or
beast.

The skin of the African rhinoceros is smooth, and has only a few
scattering hairs here and there. It is, however, very thick and tough,
and can resist the force of a rifle-ball unless it is fired from a very
short distance.

The largest known species of the rhinoceros is found in Asia. It lives
chiefly in the marshy jungles, and on the banks of lakes and rivers in
India. Some of this species are over live feet in height, and have horns
three feet in length and eighteen inches around the base.

Unlike the African rhinoceros, the skin of the Asiatic species is not
smooth, but lies in thick folds upon the body, forming flaps which can
be lifted with the hand.

The food of the rhinoceros consists of roots, and the young branches and
leaves of trees and shrubs.

It plows up the roots with the aid of its horn, and gathers the branches
and leaves with the upper lip which is long and pointed, and with which
the food is rolled together before placing it in the mouth.

The flesh of the rhinoceros is good to eat; and its strong, thick skin
is made by the natives, into shields, whips, and other articles.

Though clumsy and apparently very stupid, the rhinoceros is a very
active animal when attacked or otherwise alarmed, dashing about with
wonderful rapidity.

It is very fierce and savage--so much so that the natives dread it more
than they do the lion. In hunting the animal, it is dangerous for a man
to fire at one unless he is mounted upon a swift horse, and can easily
reach some place of safety.

When attacking an enemy, the rhinoceros lowers its head and rushes
forward like an angry goat. Though it may not see the object of its
attack, the sense of smell is so acute that it knows about when the
enemy is reached.

Then begins a furious tossing of the head, and if the powerful horn
strikes the foe, a terrible wound is the result.

When wounded itself, the rhinoceros loses all sense of fear, and charges
again and again with such desperate fury that the enemy is almost always
overcome.

A famous traveler in South Africa relates the following incident that
happened during one of his hunting excursions:

"Having proceeded about two miles, I came upon a black rhinoceros,
feeding on some Wait-a-bit thorns within fifty yards of me.

"I fired from the saddle, and sent a bullet in behind his shoulder, when
he rushed forward, blowing like a grampus, and then stood looking about
him.

"Presently he started off, and I followed. I expected that he would come
to bay, but it seems a rhinoceros never does that--a fact I did not
know at that time.

"Suddenly he fell flat upon the ground; but soon recovering his feet, he
resumed his course as if nothing had happened.

"I spurred on my horse, dashed ahead, and rode right in his path. Upon
this, the hideous monster charged me in the most resolute manner,
blowing loudly through his nostrils.

"Although I quickly turned about, he followed me at such a furious pace
for several hundred yards, with his horrid horny snout within a few
yards of my horse's tail, that I thought my destruction was certain.

"The animal, however, suddenly turned and ran in another direction. I
had now become so excited with the incident, that I determined to give
him one more shot any way.

"Nerving my horse again, I made another dash, after the rhinoceros, and
coming up pretty close to him, I again fired, though with little
effect, the ball striking some thick portion of his skin and doing no
harm.

"Feeling that I did not care to run the chance of the huge brute again
charging me, and believing that my rifle-ball was not powerful enough
to kill him, I determined to give up the pursuit, and accordingly let
him run off while I returned to the camp."

[Illustration]


*      *      *      *      *


Directions for Reading.--Let pupils mark _inflections_ in the first
sentence of the lesson.


*       *       *       *       *


Language Lesson.--Let pupils express in other words the meaning of
what is given below in dark type.

"I expected that he would _come to bay_."


*       *       *       *       *




LESSON L.


per'il, _great danger that is near one_.

pru'dent, _careful in regard to what may happen_.

con'fi dence, _courage; freedom from doubt_.

oc ca'sion, _a chance event; an incident_.

tor'rents, _violent streams, as of water_.

ford, _a place to cross a river_.

per suad'ed, _influenced by advice_.

op'po site, _on the other side; in front of_.

fran'tic, _without power to act properly_.

her'o ism, _great courage, which makes one willing to face
danger of any kind_.

res'o lute, _decided; firm_.

af fec'tion ate, _kind and loving_.


*       *       *       *       *




PRESENCE OF MIND.


Many years ago, there lived on the banks of the Naugatuck River, in
Connecticut, a family by the name of Bishop.

The father was not wealthy, but a good man, and respected by all who
knew him. He had fought in the battles of his country during the
Revolutionary War, and was familiar with scenes of danger and peril.

He had learned that it is always more prudent to preserve an air of
confidence in danger, than to show signs of fear, and especially so,
since his conduct might have a great influence upon the minds of those
about him.

On one occasion he sent his son James, a boy twelve years old, across
the river to the house of a relative, on an errand. As there was no
bridge or ferry, all who crossed the river were obliged to ford it.

James was familiar with every part of the fording-place, and when the
water was low, which was the case at this time, there was no danger in
crossing.

Mounted on one of his father's best horses, James set out. He crossed
the river, and soon reached the house of his relatives.

He was ready to start on his return, when suddenly the heavens became
black with clouds, the wind blew with great violence, and the rain fell
in torrents.

It was late in the afternoon, and as his relatives feared to have him
attempt to reach home in such a storm, they persuaded him to remain over
night and wait until daylight before starting for home.

His father suspected the cause of James' delay, and was not over anxious
on his account. He knew that the boy was prudent, and did not fear that
any accident would happen to him during the night.

But he knew that he had taught James to obey his commands in every
particular, and as the boy possessed, a daring and fearless spirit, that
he would attempt to ford the river as soon as it was light enough in the
morning.

He knew, also, that the immense quantity of water that appeared to be
falling, would cause the river to rise to a considerable height by
morning, and make it very dangerous even for a strong man to attempt to
cross it.

The thought of what might befall his child caused Mr. Bishop to pass a
sleepless night; for although he was very strict with his children, he
possessed an affectionate nature and loved them dearly.

The day dawned; the storm had ceased; the wind was still, and nothing
was to be heard but the roar of the river.

The rise of the river was even greater than Mr. Bishop expected, and as
soon as it was light enough, for him to see objects across it, he took
up a position on the bank to watch for the approach of his son.

James arrived on the opposite shore at the same time, and his horse was
beginning to enter the stream.

All his father's feelings were roused into action, for he knew that his
son was in fearful danger. James had already proceeded too far to
return--in fact, to go forward or back was equally dangerous.

His horse had arrived at the deepest part of the river, and was
struggling against the current. The animal was being hurried down the
stream, and apparently making but little progress toward the shore.

James became very much alarmed. Raising his eyes toward the
landing-place, he discovered his father. Almost frantic with fear, he
exclaimed, "O father, father! I shall drown! I shall drown!"

"No," replied his father, in a stern and resolute tone of voice,
dismissing for a moment his feelings of tenderness; "if you do, I will
whip you severely. Cling to your horse! Cling to your horse!"

The son, who feared his father more than he did the raging river, obeyed
the command; and the noble animal on which he was mounted, struggling
for some time, carried him safe to shore.

"My son!" exclaimed the glad father, bursting into tears, "remember,
hereafter, that in danger you must possess courage, and being determined
to save your life, cling to the last hope!

"If I had replied to you with the tenderness and fear which I felt, you
might have lost your life; you would have lost your presence of mind,
been carried away by the current, and I should have seen you no more."

What a noble example is this! The heroism of this father and his
presence of mind saved the life of his boy.


*       *       *       *       *


Directions for Reading.--In _calling tones_, as on pages 237 and 238,
notice that the falling inflections only can be used.[14]


*       *       *       *       *


Language Lesson.--Let pupils make out an _analysis_, and use it in
telling the story in their own words.


[14] See the last six paragraphs.


*       *       *       *       *




LESSON LI.


rug'ged, _full of rough places_.

con cealed', _covered over; hidden_.

ra vines', _deep and narrow hollow places_.

prec'i pice, _a very steep place_.

dis'lo cate ed, _thrown out of joint_.

mis'er y, _great unhappiness_.

ev'i dence, _signs; that which is shown_.

de scent', _going down_.

haz'ards, _dangers; difficulties_.

toil, _hard work_.

pro ject'ing, _hanging over_.


*       *       *       *       *




HALBERT AND HIS DOG.


Far up in the Highlands of Scotland lived Malcolm, a shepherd, with his
wife and his son Halbert.

Their little cottage was far from any village, and could only be reached
by a rugged path through the mountains.

One evening Halbert's mother was taken very ill, and Malcolm made
preparations to go to the village to obtain some medicine for her.

"Father," said Halbert, "I know the path through the dark glen better
than you. Shag will walk before me, and I will be quite safe. Let me go
for the doctor, and you stay at home and comfort mother."

Old Shag, the dog, stood by, wagging his tail and looking up into
Malcolm's face as if to say, "Yes, master, I will take good care of
Halbert. Let him go."

Malcolm did not like to have his boy undertake a journey of so much
peril, as the snow was falling in heavy flakes, and it was growing very
dark. But the boy again repeated his request, and Malcolm gave his
consent.

Halbert had been accustomed to the mountains from his earliest boyhood,
and Shag set out with his young master, not seeming to care for wind,
snow, or storm.

They reached the village safely. Halbert saw the doctor, received some
medicine for his mother, and then started on his return home with a
cheerful heart.

Shag trotted along before him to see that all was right. Suddenly,
however, in one of the most dangerous parts of the rocky path, he
stopped and began snuffing and smelling about.

"Go on, Shag," said Halbert.

Shag would not stir.

"Shag, go on, sir," repeated the boy. "We are nearly at the top of the
glen. Look through the dark, and you can see the candle shining through
our window."

Shag disobeyed for the first time in his life, and Halbert advanced
ahead of him, heedless of the warning growl of his companion.

He had proceeded but a few steps when he fell over a precipice, the
approach to which had been concealed by the snow.

It was getting late in the night, and Malcolm began to be alarmed at the
long absence of Halbert. He placed the candle so as to throw the light
over his boy's path, piled wood on the great hearth fire, and often went
to the door.

But no footstep sounded on the crackling ice; no figure darkened the
wide waste of snow.

"Perhaps the doctor is not at home, and he is waiting for him," said
Halbert's mother. She felt so uneasy at her boy's absence, that she
almost forgot her own pain.

It was midnight when Malcolm heard the well-known bark of the faithful
Shag.

"O there is Halbert!" cried both parents at the same moment. Malcolm
sprang to the door and opened it, expecting to see his son.

But alas! Halbert was not there. Shag was alone. The old dog entered
the door, and began to whine in a piteous manner.

"O Malcolm, Malcolm, my brave son has perished in the snow!" exclaimed
the mother.

Malcolm stood wondering. His heart beat rapidly. A fear that the worst
had happened almost overcame him. At that moment he saw a small package
around the dog's neck.

Seizing it in his hands, he exclaimed, "No, wife; look! Our boy lives!
Here is the medicine, tied with his handkerchief; he has fallen into one
of the deep ravines, but he is safe.

"I will go out, and Shag shall go with me. He will conduct me safely to
the rescue of my child."

In an instant Shag was again on his feet, and gave evidence of great joy
as he left the cottage with his old master.

You may imagine the misery and grief the poor mother suffered--alone in
her mountain dwelling; the certainty of her son's danger, and the fear
that her husband also might perish.

Shag went on straight and steadily for some distance after he left the
cottage. Suddenly he turned down a path which led to the foot of the
precipice over which Halbert had fallen.

The descent was steep and dangerous, and Malcolm was frequently obliged
to support himself by clinging to the frozen branches of the trees.

At last Malcolm stood on the lower and opposite edge of the pit into
which his son had fallen. He called to him, "Halbert! Halbert!" He
looked in every direction, but could not see or hear any thing.

Shag was making his way down a very steep and dangerous ledge of rocks,
and Malcolm resolved at all hazards to follow him.

After getting to the bottom, Shag scrambled to a projecting rock, which
was covered with snow, and commenced whining and scratching in a violent
manner.

Malcolm followed, and after some search found what appeared to be the
dead body of his son. He hastily tore off the jacket, which was soaked
with blood and snow, and wrapping Halbert in his great cloak, took him
upon his shoulders, and with much toil and difficulty reached the path
again, and soon had his boy at home.

Halbert was placed in his mother's bed, and by using great exertion,
they aroused him from his dangerous sleep.

He was much bruised and had his ankle dislocated, but was not otherwise
hurt. When he recovered his senses, he fixed his eyes on his mother, and
his first words were, "Did you get the medicine, mother?"

When he fell, Shag had descended after him. The affectionate son used
what little strength he had left to tie the medicine that he had
received from the doctor around the dog's neck, and then sent him home
with it.

You may be sure that Shag was well taken care of after this incident.
Even after Halbert became a man Shag was his constant companion, and he
lived to a good old age.


*       *       *       *       *


Language Lesson--Let pupils add _ship_ to each of the following
words, and then give their meaning.

friend    hard    relation    partner    fellow

Make out an _analysis_ of the lesson, and use it in telling the story
in your own words.


*       *       *       *       *




LESSON LII.


ebb'ing, _flowing out; falling_.

break'ers, _waves breaking into foam against_
the shore_.

main, _the great sea; the ocean_.

reef, _a row or chain of rocks_.

dis mayed', _having lost courage_.

strand, _beach; shore_.

treach'er ous, _likely to do harm_.

vic'tor, _a successful warrior_.

shroud'ing, _covering over_.

murk'y, _gloomy; dark_.

bea'con, _a signal fire or light_.


*       *       *       *       *




THE LIGHT-HOUSE.


The tide comes up, and the tide goes down,
Over the rocks, so rugged and brown,
And the cruel sea,  with a hungry roar,
Dashes its breakers along the shore;
But steady and clear, with a constant ray,
The star of the light-house shines alway.

The ships come sailing across the main,
But the harbor mouth is hard to gain,
For the treacherous reef lies close beside,
And the rocks are bare at the ebbing tide,
And the blinding fog comes down at night,
Shrouding and hiding the harbor light.

The sailors, sailing their ships along,
Will tell you a tale of the light-house strong;
How once, when the keeper was far away,
A terrible storm swept down the bay,
And two little children were left to keep
Their awesome watch with the angry deep.

The fair little sister wept, dismayed,
But the brother said, "I am not afraid;
There's One who ruleth on sea and land,
And holds the sea in His mighty hand;
For mercy's sake I will watch to-night,
And feed, for the sailors, the beacon light."

So the sailors heard through the murky shroud
The fog-bell sounding its warning loud!
While the children, up in the lonely tower,
Tended the lamp in the midnight hour,
And prayed for any whose souls might be
In deadly peril by land or sea.

Ghostly and dim, when the storm was o'er,
The ships rode safely, far off the shore,
And a boat shot out from the town that lay
Dusk and purple, across the bay,
She touched her keel to the light-house strand,
And the eager keeper leaped to land.

And swiftly climbing the light-house stair,
He called to his children, young and fair;