2-JO 



THK \m\[\ 



loavos ono by oiu\ with skill niul oonsi-iontioiisnoss, nlUnviiig iu>thin<j;- 

 to pass which had not boon attoutivoly oxaniinoil 



Thus, in the gloomiest months, when the sloop of natuiv so olosoly 

 resembles deatli, the bird eontinued for us the spectaele of life. Even 

 amouii' the snow, the thrush saluted us mIiou ^ve antse. Puriug i>ur 

 grave ^\ inter Nvalks we were always aeeompauied by the wren, with 

 its golden erest, its short, quiek song, its soft and tlute-like recall. 

 The more familiar sparrows appeared on onr balconies; pmictnal to 

 the Itour. they knew that twice a-day their meal woidd be ready for 

 thenv without any peril to thi^r freedom. 



For the rest, the honest laboinvi-s, on the arrival of spring, scruj>led 

 to ask oin- aid. As soon as their yoimg were able to tly. tlu>y joy- 

 onslv brouii'ht them to onr windows, as if to thank and bless ns. 



^:J,^^^"^ 



