NESTS AND NESTLINGS. 45 



plete outfit ; and yet few things are more cun- 

 ning and dainty tlian a bird cradle full of 

 little ones. They look so cozy and comfortable 

 as they cuddle down close to the bottom 

 of the nest, and, withal, so innocent. I can 

 seldom refrain from touchino: or strokinsf 

 them with my hand, merely as an expression 

 of affection, as you caress a favorite dog or 

 cat. 



Sometimes they do not seem to mind being 

 stroked, but will look up at you as confidingly 

 as little children. At other times they will 

 open their mouths for food, and even keep 

 them open after you have touched them. 

 There are other species that will snuggle as close 

 as they can to the bottom of the nest, bending 

 their bodies in an arc to fit the cup. It some- 

 times happens, too, if they are old enough, 

 that they will give a loud chirp and spring 

 from the nest in a wild panic. Indeed, most 

 birds seem to be taught very early by their 

 parents that man is a dangerous enemy ; or is 

 it only their nature to become frightened at a 

 creature so much larger than themselves — one 

 that must look to them like a great bugaboo ? 

 Who can say ? 



Shall I tell you of some of the pretty nests 

 I have found ? One evening I was walking 



