OLES are found in almost all parts of Europe; in England they abound, and are much disliked by agriculturists on account of the injuries which they inflict, by their burrowing, on the soil and the roots of plants. They are so well known as scarcely to need any description. By many they are supposed to be blind; but this is a mistake, arising from the fact that their eyes are very small; their smell and hearing are very acute, thus compensating for their defect of vision. They live chiefly under ground, and burrow extensively in quest of the mice, worms, and insects on which they live; the mole-hills, with which many of our readers are familiar, are formed by them in the prosecution of this, to them, necessary labour. Moles are capital swimmers, and can give a sharp bite; when enraged they keep their hold like a bull-dog.

THREE BEAUTIFUL DEEDS.

NE lovely spring morning an eastern prince sat in his little rustic house in the middle of his grounds, and was engaged in friendly conversation with one of his noblest subjects.

Suddenly a body of soldiers brought to his presence a man whose feet and hands were chained. The poor prisoner was accused of a great crime. The whole affair was told to the prince, and soon the pleasant expression vanished. He looked very sorrowful, and, turning to his friend, said,

"This man is very wicked; he has done an awful deed. How it pains me to see that one of my subjects could be guilty of such a great crime."

Then addressing the rough soldiers, who held great sabres in their hands, he said,

"Go and cast the guilty man into prison, and to-morrow he shall certainly die."

Sala, who was the friend of the prince, sighed deeply, and after talking awhile, went off to his own home. He sat down to talk, but could think of nothing but the prisoner. He lay down to sleep, but could not forget the man lying chained in a dungeon. He arose again from his bed and went at midnight to see the stranger who was in prison. 66 Where were you born?" said he to the wretched-looking culprit.

"I was born," replied he, weeping bitterly, "in Damascus. There I left a peaceful home, a dear wife, and affectionate children."

"Heaven bless Damascus," said Sala, "for there lives the man who saved my life."

"What! in Damascus ?" asked the prisoner. my kind friend, how it happened."

"Tell me,

Then Sala said, "Some years ago the prince discharged the governor of the city, and appointed me in his place. My journey to the city was long and dangerous, but finally I reached Damascus and took possesion of it in the name of my prince. But on the first night there was a disturbance in the palace and all over the city. The inhabitants had a riot, which was concocted and managed by the former governor. Many soldiers were with him, and I began to fear that the palace would be burned down, and that I would be destroyed. The soldiers drew their sabres, and rushed through the halls, and found my bedroom. I thought that I would be instantly killed. But I succeeded in finding a secret passage, and at last escaped from the palace in disguise. I ran into another part of the city to get away from all danger, but I did not know what moment I might be killed. A kind man saw how frightened I was, and took me into his house. He kept me there four weeks. I was very anxious to get home as soon as possible, so that I might see my dear family again. My good friend saw how destitute I was, and heard me speak of my disposition to get home once more. He gave me all the money I wanted, and then said to me,- Farewell, and may heaven bless you on your journey. Here is my swiftest horse, and here are two faithful attendants, who will see you safe home.' He then kindly embraced me, and I took my departure. I reached my home in safety, and there I have lived ever since; but I shall never forget the man who saved my life.'

The stranger then took something from his pocket, and looking up into Sala's face said, Do you remember this locket? Do you not know me? This locket you gave me when we parted at Damascus. It is your own picture!"

In a moment Sala recognized him as the man who had preserved him. He fell on his neck and kissed him many times, and said,

"Thank God that I see you once more! The desire I have

long had is now fulfilled. I behold my dear and noble benefactor! Is it possible? Or am I not dreaming?

After further convervation, Sala looking at the prisoner's chains, said,

"Do tell me how you came into this wretched condition ?" The prisoner replied,

"I am innocent of the crime they charge me with. Wicked and envious men have beheld my prosperity, and bent themselves on my ruin. They have torn me away from But I cannot now be saved.

my wife and dear children.

As I am very soon to die, please bear my last farewell to my dear ones at home, in Damascus."

"You, my friend," exclaimed Sala,

I would sooner die myself."

"shall not die. No,

Sala then rushed out of the prison and came back an hour and a half later.

"Here," said he to the prisoner, "is a fleet horse, my silver spurs, and my farewell kiss. Flee for your life! The prince will be very angry when he knows you have escaped. But never mind, I will die in your stead."

"Noble Sala," replied the prisoner, "you shall not die for me. I am not afraid to die, because I am innocent. If you will do as I ask you, it is all I could wish. Go to the prin ce and prove that I am innocent."

"No, my friend," said Sala, " he will not believe me. My life is dear to me, but yours is far dearer. Hasten away! Hasten for your life!"

But still the prisoner refused to go. When the day broke Sala went to see the prince. He told him all the facts, just as the prisoner related them to him. The prince was very angry, and declared that Sala had no business in the prison at all. He said that the prisoner must die, but Sala told him that every good prince was just to all his subjects. He fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly for the prisoner. At last the power of truth and righteousness prevailed. The prince said that for Sala's sake the prisoner might go free.

"Sala then hastened off to the prison and told the poor culprit all that had occurred. On the afternoon of that day Sala and the prisoner walked slowly through the palace grounds, and were admitted to the audience chamber of the prince. After the first few words of conversation had been spoken, the prince said to the prisoner,

"To Sala, and not to me you owe your freedom. I have ordered costly clothing, many horses and camels, and a large purse of money. Go to your home in peace and safety!

Now, children, can you tell what are the three beautiful deeds? You answer, "Yes, I am sure." Well, now tell me who has done more for his enemies than those men did for their friends? Our blessed Saviour. He died in our stead. Through His death we are delivered from the sentence of eternal ruin pronounced against us. Then while He says to us, "I have obtained your freedom; I have died on Calvary for you;" you must not stay in the dark cell any longer; but go out in the bright sunlight of God's favour; enter by prayer into His audience room; and He will give you richer presents, and bring you to a better home than this world has ever possessed.

THE POCKET BIBLE.

HERE lived some years ago, in a small village in the north of England, a widow with six children, all of whom were Sabbathschool scholars. Their father was an officer in the British navy when he died, and singleft his wife with the care of this little flock. hai The eldest son proved a great trial to his parents on account of his wicked conduct. He heeded not the instruction of parents or teacher, but sought the most wicked and dissolute youth for his companions, and after his father's death gave himself up to all excesses of wickedness and riot.