The Audubon Societies 



III 



banding and bird-protection, shows a device whereby cats can be given ample outdoor 

 space under piazzas, well latticed. 



Those who like cats and wish to keep them ought, in justice to their neighbors who 

 may not like cats, as well as in justice to birds and the cats themselves, adopt some sim- 

 ple, effective way of giving their pets outdoor exercise without endangering bird-life 

 or encroaching upon the rights of others. Let us use tact in this matter, but at the 

 same time let us do something sensible and to the point. The little girl who sent in 

 this interesting contribution wrote down her observations with "absolutely no help of 

 any kind." — A. H. W.] 



A FAMILY OF FOREST BABIES 



'Twas a glorious morn in springtime 

 When all Nature was astir; 



All around the birds were singing 

 And the insects were awhir. 



Scattered all about the roadway — 

 'Twas the rarest sight to see — 

 Were the sweetest, dearest babies 

 Found in Nature's nursery. 



Along the country roadside 



Violets raised their faces bright, 



And where'er one looked or listened 

 There was beauty and delight. 



Then we caught one — ^yes, 'twas true, 

 A baby Partridge — what a prize ! 



We must hold it and see closer 



Those most wondrous sparkling eyes. 



We were on our way to school 

 And our pleasure ever grew 



When we found a bird or blossom 

 Or a creature that was new. 



It was only one brief moment 

 That we were so greatly blessed; 



Then reluctantly, but gently, 

 It was placed among the rest, 



Driving up a wooded mountain 

 We were suddenly surprised 



By a whirring rush and flutter 

 Right before our very eyes. 



For the frantic mother Partridge 

 Flew at us in great concern. 



'Twas a most important lesson 

 That such wee babes had to learn. 



'Twas a frightened mother Partridge 

 With her brood just off the nest, 



And, to save her young, she flew 

 Swiftly 'gainst the horse's breast. 



Instantly we made a halt. 



What was this we had espied? 

 Baby Partridges so young 



That they had not learned to hide! 



Soon with sudden understanding 

 They all did as they were bidden. 



And with their devoted mother 

 Quickly under leaves were hidden. 



So this kindergarten lesson 

 For the forest children bright. 



Most impressively was taught 

 And observed with great delight. 



Thus does every baby Partridge 



Learn the lesson, too, I ween. 

 But seldom are we humans blessed 



By beholding such a scene. 



— Miss Adelaide L. Moore, Winsled, Conn. 



[The incident described is vouched for by the writer, to "the truth of every word." 

 Another correspondent sends notes about a brood of nine little Partridges, which at the 

 time of writing were "only a day or two old . . . too young to know any fear." He 

 adds, "a week longer and you could not get near one." — A. H. W.] 



