"Did it?" asked Uncle Robert.

"Yes," answered Donald. "In a few weeks we took the binding off, and the
bark had all grown together around the little bud."

[Illustration: Budding]

"There were ever so many of them," said Susie, "and they were all
alike."

"I wish they would hurry up and have some apples on them," said Donald.
"If they're better than some we had last year, they'll be pretty good.

"Come, children," said Mrs. Leonard. "It is getting damp. I think we'd
better go in now."




CHAPTER II.

FRANK DRAWS A MAP OF THE FARM.


After the lamps were lighted and they were all gathered in the
sitting-room Uncle Robert began asking the children about the farm.

"What do you raise besides corn?" he asked.

"Wheat, oats, rye, and potatoes," said Frank. "Then we have the hay