At three o'clock the entire family turned out to walk , for all the active young bodies must have exercise ; and in these walks the active young minds were taught to see and love the providence of God in the beautiful miracles which Nature was working before their eyes . Mr. Bhaer always went with them , and in his simple , fatherly way , found for his flock , `` Sermons in stones , books in the running brooks , and good in everything . '' Mrs. Bhaer with Daisy and her own two boys drove into town , to pay the weekly visit to Grandma , which was busy Mother Bhaer 's one holiday and greatest pleasure . Nat was not strong enough for the long walk , and asked to stay at home with Tommy , who kindly offered to do the honors of Plumfield . `` You 've seen the house , so come out and have a look at the garden , and the barn , and the menagerie , '' said Tommy , when they were left alone with Asia , to see that they did n't get into mischief ; for , though Tommy was one of the best-meaning boys who ever adorned knickerbockers , accidents of the most direful nature were always happening to him , no one could exactly tell how . `` What is your menagerie ? '' asked Nat , as they trotted along the drive that encircled the house . `` We all have pets , you see , and we keep 'em in the corn-barn , and call it the menagerie . Here you are . Is n't my guinea-pig a beauty ? '' and Tommy proudly presented one of the ugliest specimens of that pleasing animal that Nat ever saw . `` I know a boy with a dozen of 'em , and he said he 'd give me one , only I had n't any place to keep it , so I could n't have it . It was white , with black spots , a regular rouser , and maybe I could get it for you if you 'd like it , '' said Nat , feeling it would be a delicate return for Tommy 's attentions . `` I 'd like it ever so much , and I 'll give you this one , and they can live together if they do n't fight . Those white mice are Rob 's , Franz gave 'em to him . The rabbits are Ned 's , and the bantams outside are Stuffy 's . That box thing is Demi 's turtle-tank , only he has n't begun to get 'em yet . Last year he had sixty-two , whackers some of 'em . He stamped one of 'em with his name and the year , and let it go ; and he says maybe he will find it ever so long after and know it . He read about a turtle being found that had a mark on it that showed it must be hundreds of years old .
XXXXX 's such a funny chap . ''
Demi Franz Nat Ned accidents bantams knickerbockers left o'clock turtle-tank