THE YOUNG WOMAN AND THE MILK CAN.
A farmer's daughter was carrying a pail of milk from the field to the farm house, when she fell a-musing: "The money for which this milk will be sold will buy at least three hundred eggs. The eggs, allowing for all mishaps, will produce at least two hundred and fifty chickens. The chickens will become ready for the market when poultry will fetch the highest price; so that by the end of the year I shall have money enough from the perquisites that will fall to my share to buy a new gown. In this dress I will go to the dances at Christmas, when all the young fellows will propose to me; but I will toss my head, and refuse them every one." At this moment, in unison with her thoughts, she tossed her head, when down fell the milk pail to the ground, and all her thoughts were shattered in a moment.
Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.