114 



Pictures of Bird Life 



surface. In spite of many failures they do succeed by 

 perseverance in obtaining a sliare. and pick tliose up whicli 

 are drowned and washed against tlie grassy banks. 



Drop a crust of bread, or spill the contents of a nose- 

 bag in the street ! Before a minute has passed a group 

 of watchful Sparrows are squabbling excitedly over tlie tind, 

 and chasing the first comers in the hope of tlieir dropping 

 a bit. Talk about the struggle for existence ! Eacli mouthful 

 a Sparrow eats seems to be obtained by the exercise of 

 unrivalled energy and watchfulness. Xo wonder they thrive 

 and increase and nudtiply ! There is one period of their 

 existence, however, diu'ing which they do some good. 



Nest of Rook (Corvns frugilegns). 



