284 



WILD NATURE'S WAYS. 



BLACKBIRD AND APPLE. 



his skill. 

 The male 

 blackbird 

 figured in 

 our illus- 

 tration in a 

 somewhat 

 doleful, al- 

 though cha- 

 racteristic 

 winter at- 

 titude, was a most courteous fellow, for when- 

 ever a female member of his species came along 

 to partake of the fruit, he promptly retired, in 

 order to give the lady an unimpeded opportunity. 

 Wild birds, like domesticated individuals, 

 appear occasionally to strike up friendships with 

 members of other species than their own. The 

 house sparrow and hedge sparrow figured in 

 the accom- 

 panying vig- 

 nette were 

 inseparable 

 friends, and 

 constantly 

 fed together 

 all last win- 

 ter in my 

 garden. hedge and house sparrows. 



