put in the rogues' gallery more than once, are great co-operators. They are 

 shrewd and crafty folk, not easily outwitted and interesting because of their indi- 

 vidualistic tendencies and variable temperaments. It is true they do not like to 

 follow plans nor pick up corn laid down for them by mere man, preferring to get 

 at the root and kernel of the material themselves, but all of this is not for pure 

 mischief or love of stealing, of which these birds have so often been accused and 

 for which they have been condemned to death. They go after and capture the wire- 

 worms, cutworms, white grubs, grasshoppers and other parasitic hangers on which 

 render no useful service in return for the food they steal and destroy. 



The Wren Family 



By Harriet Ives 



The Wrens are a family of three; 

 Marsh Wren, and House Wren, Winter Wren — see? 

 They're wee and winsome, all dressed in brown, 

 And daintier birds are seldom found. 



The Winter W'ren is extremely shy. 

 Its voice a strong melodious cry. 

 From those who know, I've often heard 

 'Tis quite as small as a humming-bird. 



The Marsh Wren rests where the wet swamps gleam, 

 Her music low as a bubbling stream, 

 A nest like cocoanut round it weaves, 

 Yet hole at the top for entrance leaves. 



More friendly yet is the small House Wren, 

 Who builds near homes or abodes of men. 

 Busy and hustling, cheery and strong, 

 It sings to its brood a rare sweet song. 



These home-loving birds say unto you 



That work with love is happiness true. 



This much I will tell you, much more then 



You may very well learn from the wee brown wren. 



279 



