221 OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS. 



to be seen ; since the 18th. a few more made their appearance, and on 

 the 29th. we had them numerous as before. How is their absence from 

 the 11th. to the 18th. to be accounted for? Was it from a deficiency 

 of food causing them to return southward? Or were they an early de- 

 tachment, and have proceeded further inland, and those following, new 

 arrivals? We now see the swifts; their larger size, more sombre 

 appearance, and greater rapidity of flight, is seen by an indifferent observer. 

 Those who look with more interest will find great amusement in observing 

 the difference in the motions of the two species. The flights of the Swifts 

 are longer in the same direction, their bodies seem to be floating in liquid 

 air without assistance of their extended wings, the motion of which is a 

 graceful dipping on either side. The evolutions of the other species are 

 more eccentric, with quicker action of wing, and as they wheel round 

 you, alternately presenting their white and dark plumage. 



Our friends, the Rooks, since they have accomplished their building 

 operations, have been going on more orderly during the period of incuba- 

 tion. A portion resort to the fields to collect food for their young, and 

 soon as provided return to their nests. They do not caw, for their 

 mouths are too full; frequently one will pass near enough to enable you 

 to observe his pouch as it hangs suspended, like a wallet, under his 

 lower mandible, full of worms and grubs. The young will soon be 

 issuing from their nests, when they are called "perchers," and their 

 appearance is the signal for the beginning of the "Rook-shooting." 



(To be continued.) 



OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS. 



BY 0. S. ROUND, ESQ. 



"What is a friend? a thing so seldom known, 

 Yet so familiar an acquaintance grown ; 

 We hear its name at every turn we make, 

 We must do this or that for friendship's sake. 

 Vile mockery of a word, whose sacred tie 

 And spotless name, in no mean compass lie!" 



How common a saying is it in every man's mouth, "Oh! a, friend of 

 mine:" say rather one whom you are acquainted with to speak to, for 

 this generally is the utmost meaning. Friendship depends somewhat on 

 both parties, and the scarcity of true friendship is proved in this, that 

 the least clashing of interest commonly severs the tie, firm as it may be 

 supposed to have been, at once. Some people make friends quickly, and 

 as quickly lose them; others are reserved and have few intimates, but 

 their predilections when once indulged are strong and hasty; others seem 

 antagonistic by nature to all their fellows — modern Ishmaels. I think I 



