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.—M. Guyot Daubes, translated from La Nature.
(1214)
Gift, A, that Increased in Power—See Little Gifts.
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 Likeness of God.
Gift, Using Our Best.—See Advantage,
Working to the Best.
Gifts—See Love's Acceptable Offering.
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.—N. D. Hillis.
(1216)
Gifts from God.—See God Sends Gifts.
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 Bible Customs To-day.
Girls, Betraying—See Traps for Girls.
Girl's Devotion, A—See Loyalty.
Girls in Factories—See Greed.
Girl's Interest in Missions—See Harvest
from Early Sowing.
