THE WAXWING FAMILY 65 
would be safe to put him out. I took him to 
the woods where I had seen a little family of 
young cedar-birds, and placed him on a low 
tree. He brightened up at once, and began to 
call, and flew to another tree. Fearing that my 
being there might prevent his mother coming 
to him, I left him. When I went out again I 
could not find him, so I hope he was safe with 
his friends. 
I was more certain of it, because I know that 
these birds are kind to all birds in distress. A 
lady was once watching a nest of robins when 
the parents disappeared, no doubt killed. She 
was much troubled to know how she should get 
at the high nest to feed the young ones who 
were calling for their dinner, when she saw a 
cedar-bird go to them and feed them. 
After that she kept close watch, and saw the 
cedar-bird feed them every day, and take care of 
the nestlings till they could fly. He no doubt 
taught them to take care of themselves, but this 
she could not see, for they flew away. 
The ordinary food of this bird is insects that 
are found on trees, especially among fruit. But 
they have taken to fly-catching also. <A party of 
them may often be seen busily at work catching 
flies. This is a very good thing for them as 
well as for us. The birds or beasts who can eat 
