Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. There is no richer theme for children''s sto ries than the miracle of Spring. The selec tions in The Emerald Story Book aim to serve the young reader''s interest in three ways. Some of the myths and legends are interesting or amusing because owers, insects, or birds are presented as personalities and emphasise human qualities or feelings. Some of the sto ries and poems contribute to the child''s store of knowledge by attracting his attention to some fact, beauty, or blessing in nature which may have escaped his notice. Still others make an appeal by sa-ggesting or affirming the abiding hope symbolised in the thought, See the land her Easter keepingf.''