The Magic of Oz

about Ozma, even in her merriest moods, that, in a manner, distinguished

her from the others. The three girls loved her devotedly, but they were

never able to quite forget that Ozma was the Royal Ruler of the wonderful

Fairyland of Oz, and by birth belonged to a powerful race.

Ozma's palace stood in the center of a delightful and extensive garden,

where splendid trees and flowering shrubs and statuary and fountains

abounded. One could walk for hours in this fascinating park and see

something interesting at every step. In one place was an aquarium, where

strange and beautiful fish swam; at another spot all the birds of the air

gathered daily to a great feast which Ozma's servants provided for them,

and were so fearless of harm that they would alight upon one's shoulders

and eat from one's hand. There was also the Fountain of the Water of

Oblivion, but it was dangerous to drink of this water, because it made one

forget everything he had ever before known, even to his own name, and

therefore Ozma had placed a sign of warning upon the fountain. But there

were also fountains that were delightfully perfumed, and fountains of

delicious nectar, cool and richly flavored, where all were welcome to

refresh themselves.

Around the palace grounds was a great wall, thickly encrusted with

glittering emeralds, but the gates stood open and no one was forbidden

entrance. On holidays the people of the Emerald City often took their

children to see the wonders of Ozma's gardens, and even entered the Royal

Palace, if they felt so inclined, for they knew that they and their Ruler

were friends, and that Ozma delighted to give them pleasure.

When all this is considered, you will not be surprised that the people

throughout the Land of Oz, as well as Ozma's most intimate friends and

her royal courtiers, were eager to celebrate her birthday, and made

preparations for the festival weeks in advance. All the brass bands

practiced their nicest tunes, for they were to march in the numerous

processions to be made in the Winkie Country, the Gillikin Country, the

Munchkin Country and the Quadling Country, as well as in the Emerald

City. Not all the people could go to congratulate their Ruler, but all could

celebrate her birthday, in one way or another, however far distant from her

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