PREFACE. 



There is not among the many beautiful creatures God has made one more 

 to be admired than tlie bird. 



Its graceful movements, its soft and elegant plumage, its gift of song — 

 or if not of song, of a certain lively gaiety — its tender care for its young, its 

 skill in preparing so pretty a home for their reception, its plaintive mourning 

 when deprived of mate or young, its faith as, in search of a more genial clime, 

 it flies across the mighty waters — all endear it to us as to a beautiful gift we 

 ought to appreciate, and with whose happy and joyous life we should nevci 

 wilfully interfere. 



It is to you, dear children, we oftcr this little volume ; read it, — and when 

 you have done so, we think you will love the birds even better than before • 

 and that when you want a few of their pretty eggs, you will not grcedih 

 them all, or tear down the cosy nest when the little pair are so happ^ .idt 

 you will remember God is looking on — God, who cares for them as well as 

 for you — who watches to see whether you obey His command, and spare 

 the birds when you take their eggs, or whether you will hurt and destroy 

 them. 



Ah ! How sad it would be if there were no birds ! 



Tip ! tap ! Listen — what's that .-' A robin on the window-sill. Open 

 quickly and give him some crumbs ! 



M. AND E. K. 



Melton Mowbray. 



