It was a very nice tent indeed, having a long cushioned seat inside, two little rocking-chairs that were at once appropriated, a small table, and a bracket with books on it.  On the table there was a round basket of oranges, which made every one thirsty at once.

“I do believe,” said Malcolm, suddenly, “that it’s made of India-rubber.”

“Not the orange, I hope?” replied Miss Harson, while the little sisters looked up in surprise.

An India-rubber orange was a thing to be laughed at, though not to be eaten, and the children were in such a state of glee over this pleasant surprise that they were ready to laugh almost at nothing.

Presently their governess said,

“Malcolm means the tent, of course; and he is quite right, for the covering is India-rubber cloth.”

“But why isn’t it dark and ugly, like the waterproofs?” was the next question.

“Simply because it need not be so, and it is prettier to have it white or of this pale gray.  But these shades are too conspicuous for overshoes or waterproof cloaks, so the latter are made as dark as possible.  The caoutchoue, you know, is naturally white or very light colored.”

“How do they make the cloth?” asked Malcolm.

“It is first made as cloth,” was the reply; “then a thin coating of India-rubber is spread over two layers of it.  The cloth is then put together and pressed between rollers, so that the two pieces firmly adhere, with the caoutchoue between them.  No rain can penetrate such a screen as this,”

It was delightful to know that they would be safe and dry in case of a shower, and the children thought it must be just the prettiest tent that ever was made.  The cushioned seat was covered with scarlet, and so were the little chairs, which Clara and Edith knew were meant for them; the edges of the cloth were scalloped with the same bright color, and there was even a rug to match spread in front of the “divan,” as Miss Harson laughingly said the cushioned seat must be called.

“Haven’t we ’most come to the end of the trees?” asked Clara.  “I never thought that there were so many different kinds,”

“Look around and see if you feel acquainted with them all,” replied her governess.

They had left the tent after quite a long “sitting,” and were now on their way to the house.

Clara’s first glance, on doing as she had been directed, fell on three trees by the side of a fence, that were different from any they had yet studied.

“What do you notice about them?” continued Miss Harson; “for I wish you to use your own eyes and thoughts as much as possible.”

“Why, the trunk is dark gray, and it isn’t smooth, but it looks as if some one had dug out long, thin pieces of bark.”

“We will call it ‘deeply furrowed,’” said her governess, “as that is a better expression; but your description is very good indeed.”

“The leaves are ever so pretty,” said Malcolm—­“so many of ’em on one stem!—­and the green looks as if it was just made.”