68 A RUFFIAN IN FEATHERS; 



observed that she never 'talked back,' indulged in un- 

 seemly scolding, or assumed the offensive in any way. 

 She appeared indifferent to his opinions, but enough 

 attached to her home to endure his annoyances for two 

 days before she tired of the controversy. When at last 

 she accepted her fate and departed, I saw him bring home 

 the bride, as coquettish a young thing as can be imagined, 

 coax her by many wiles to examine the snug house, 

 follow her about, and finally induce her to take up her 

 residence with him. 



The other case was of trouble on the other side. A 

 cock sparrow lost one leg, and his mate, who had nestlings 

 to feed, attempted to divorce him. Several birds appeared 

 upon the scene, evidently aspirants for the soon-to-be- 

 vacant place. But the little fellow, though evidently 

 suffering so greatly that several times he appeared to be 

 dying, never failed to revive and attack with fury every 

 pretender, and after a day or two of this conflict was able 

 to resume his duties as assistant provider for the little 

 ones, when his spouse amiably 'kissed and made up.' 

 All through the trouble she never displayed temper. She 

 refused him admission into the honeysuckle vine, where 

 the nest was ; but she would come out and alight near 

 him on the window-sill, talk to him calmly, reproach him, 

 evidently, reminding him of the babies to feed, and he not 

 able to help. To these remarks he made little reply. 



As I said, the sparrow is a domestic tyrant, brooking 

 no opposition. I have never observed a case in which 

 the hen had her own way. He is so great a bully, so self- 

 willed and violent, that whatever the cause of disagree- 

 ment, he holds out with dogged obstinacy till he gets his 

 will. In one case there was difference of opinion as to 

 the site for a nest ; he wishing to occupy an empty cottage 



