TO THE BOYS AND GIRLS.
Once more we are going out together by the Sea-side and the Way-side. We shall now learn more of our Great Mother, the Earth, and of her many children.
Once I read a tale of a queen, who gave all that she had to her youngest son, and ordered all his brothers and sisters to be his servants. I did not think that that was fair.
But something very like this has happened to us in this world. We human beings are the last and youngest of living things, and yet all the rest serve us, and are for our use. In this book I shall tell you the secret of this. I shall tell you of the flowers and trees; they are the earth’s eldest children. I shall tell you how they have taken insects and birds for their partners, and have gone into business, to feed the world.
We shall look at those pretty partners in their work and play.
The birds have some lovely stories to tell us in their songs.
And then, we shall put on some new spectacles, and look into the brooks, and ponds, and into the rivers and seas, and see the Fin Family, which feel so safe, hiding deep down in the waters.
And when you have learned a little of the wonderful way in which all the parts of the world fit together, and work together, I want you to think how wise and good is the great God who made all.