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giantess who was ten feet high, and Lecat of a Scotch giant eleven and one-half feet in height. But we may take it for granted that these figures are greatly exaggerated, while we have a right to regard as authentic giants whose height runs up to eight and one-half feet. The Grecian giant, Amanab, at eighteen years old, was seven feet eight inches tall; the Chinese giant, Chang, eight feet three inches. The Austrian giant, Winckelmeier, who was recently exhibited in Paris, measuring eight feet and one-half, may be regarded as a specimen of the highest stature attained by the human species. At the opposite extreme may be found numerous dwarfs not more than twenty inches, and some even as little as sixteen and even twelve inches in height; but such dwarfs are only monsters with atrophied limbs or twisted back bones, or stunted infants, whose age is usually exaggerated by their Barnums. One of the most remarkable dwarfs on record was the celebrated Borulawsky, who was born in 1789, and died in 1837, who was never more than twenty-eight inches in height, but was perfect in every limb and proportion and was bright and intelligent.—, translated from La Nature.

(1214)

Gift, A, that Increased in Power—See .

GIFT, A FREE

There is a legend of a rich man who sent a message to a poor neighbor: "I want to give you a farm." The neighbor set out to get it, but carried with him what he thought was a bag of gold. Arriving at the rich man's mansion, he said: "I got your message. I want your farm. Here is the gold to buy it." "Let me see your gold," said the generous donor. It was not even silver. The poor man's eyes filled with tears. "Alas, I am undone!" "Why, it is not even copper," he added; "it is only ashes. I have nothing to pay. Will you give it me?" "Why, yes," said the rich man; "that was my offer. Will you accept the farm as a gift?" "Yes, indeed," replied the poor man, "and a thousand blessings on your kindness."

(1215)

Gift and Giver.—See.

Gift, Using Our Best.—See.

Gifts—See.

GIFTS ADJUSTED TO TASKS

In the hour of success, let not pride vaunt itself, while vanity looks down upon the crowd, exclaiming, "Why did they not work as I did? Why did they not have courage to launch out into the deep? Why did they not fling their plans as a whaler his harpoon, or a hunter his spear?" Well, because God and your fathers made you the child of special good fortune, through unique gifts of body and of mind. Why did not the poor and unsuccessful do as you have done? Why does the turtle-dove not soar like the eagle, and lift its stroke against any enemy? Why does not a lamb go out for its prey like a wolf or a lion? Why did not a modest violet grow tall as a redwood-tree? Why, because God had planned something other for a violet and a dove and a lamb, and quite another thing for an oak and an eagle and a lion. Men's gifts vary because their tasks are unlike. What God asks is not success, but fidelity in the appointed sphere, in the ordained equipment.—

(1216)

Gifts from God.—See.

GIFTS, SIGNIFICANT

When the Chinese make gifts they intend each gift to carry a meaning, so adding a peculiar charm. The peach and oleander-blossoms express the wish for long life rich in sustenance and beauty. The lotus-leaf indicates purity and modesty; as one writer puts it, "The superior man, like the lotus, altho coming through mire, is untainted; altho bathed in sparkling water and rising in beauty is without vanity." The aster means superior to circumstances. The orange marigold, so fragrant and brilliant in the declining season, signifies beautiful in age. These emblematic flowers frequently accompany rich gifts to give them speech.

Every gift of the hand will be eloquent with a sentiment of the heart if the heart's love is behind it.

(1217)

Girdle.—See.

Girls, Betraying—See.

Girl's Devotion, A—See.

Girls in Factories—See.

Girl's Interest in Missions—See.