b. 4! 
THE BIRD'S LANGUAGE 
Wen the bird is grown up, there are many 
other interesting things to know about him,— 
one is, whether he can talk. 
It is plain to those who have studied the ways 
of birds, that they are able to tell things to each 
other, and many writers have said plainly that 
birds have a language. 
If you notice birds in cages, you will find that 
when two or more of a kind are in the same 
room, you will hear little chirps and twitters 
and other notes, not at all like their song. But 
if one is alone in a room, he hardly makes a 
sound except when singing. 
Then see a robin out of doors. He is less 
afraid of us than most birds, and easiest to 
watch. If something comes up on him sud- 
denly, he gives a sharp note of surprise. If a 
cat appears, he has another ery which every one 
can understand, a word of warning to all. If 
everything is quiet and his mate 1s near, he will 
greet her with some low, sweet notes. 
