"It is so, Lady Mary; but the same thing may also be seen among human
beings. The savage nations are contented with rude dwellings made of
sticks and cane, covered with skins of beasts, bark, or reeds; but when
they once unite together in a more social state, and live in villages and
towns, a desire for improvement takes place; the tent of skins, or the
rude shanty, is exchanged for a hut of better shape; and this in time
gives place to houses and furniture of more useful and ornamental kinds."

"Nurse, I heard mamma say, that the Britons who lived in England were
once savages, and lived in caves, huts, and thick woods; that they dressed
in skins, and painted their bodies like the Indians."

"When you read the history of England, you will see that such was the
case," said Mrs. Frazer.

"Nurse, perhaps the little birds like to see the flowers, and the
sunshine, and the blue sky, and men's houses. I will make my garden very
pretty this spring, and plant some nice flowers to please the dear little
birds."

Many persons would have thought such remarks very foolish in our little
lady, but Mrs. Frazer, who was a good and wise woman, did not laugh at the
little girl; for she thought it was a lovely thing to see her wish to give
happiness to the least of God's creatures, for it was imitating His own
goodness and mercy, which delight in the enjoyment of the things which He
has called into existence.

"Please, Mrs. Frazer, will you tell me which flowers will be first in
bloom?"