112 The Canary. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



OUR FIRST BIRDS. 



N the 26tli of March, the weather being fine, 

 and our birds strong, and we ourselves all 

 anxiety and impatience to begin, we first put 

 the nest-boxes and materials for building into the 

 aviary. Immediately all was wonder and excitement 

 amongst the birds. The hens bustled about from one 

 box to another, curiously inspecting every nook and 

 corner, each apparently afraid lest her neighbour 

 should be first in the field. Although in taking a 

 house many inquiries have to be made, which little girls 

 who live at home at ease, and which bachelors and 

 spinsters domiciling in lodgings ready for their use 

 have little conception of, it was evident, as there Avere 

 many applicants for the same tenement, they had no 

 time to lose. Our birds seemed to be of this opinion, and 

 as it usually happens in such cases, so it did with them. 

 The least and most energetic little hen in the whole 

 aviary at once decided upon the most eligible villa in 

 the square, and forthwith took possession by lining it 

 with moss and hair. Whilst others were looking about, 

 unable to make up their minds, or wasting their time 

 in picking at the hair and cotton, little Blanche had 

 half finished her nest. Not a moment did she lose, 

 though her lordly husband proved a very indifferent 



