4. What ugly, gray streaks on her side and her back!
Her nose, once as pink as a rosebud, is black!
Oh, I very well know,
Though she does not say so,
She has been where white kittens ought never to go.

THIRD READER. 31

5. If little good children intend to do right,
If little white kittens would keep themselves white,
It is needful that they
Should this counsel obey,
And be careful in choosing their places to play.

LESSON IX.


THE BEAVER.

1. The beaver is found chiefly in North America. It is
about three and a half feet long, including the flat, paddle-
shaped tail, which is a foot in length.
2. The long, shining hair on the back is chestnut-colored,
while the fine, soft fur that lies next the skin, is grayish
brown.
3. Beavers build themselves most curious huts to live in,
and quite frequently a great number of these huts are placed
close together, like the buildings in a town.
4. They always build their huts on the banks of rivers or