204 The Bluebird 
The old birds accepted the situation, and continued to 
feed and care for the young. As the food was brought 
there was no strife on the part of the young birds, but 
each waited his turn. This continued not only while 
the young were in the nest, but until they flew away. 
The bluebird makes a very playful and affectionate 
little pet. Mr. A. Radclyffe Dugmore tells of a very” 
interesting one he possessed. ‘‘While I am wniting,” 
he says, “‘a pet one, but three months old, is sitting 
on my paper, seeming to wonder what I am doing 
and why I do not play with him. He nips my pencil, 
but I pay no attention to him; then he tries to creep 
up my sleeve, and still I pay no attention; so, dis- 
gusted, he flies off in search for ants or other small 
insects. After a time I raise my hand and call; 
back he comes, like a flash, and, hovering more like 
a large moth than a bird, he perches on my finger, 
singing at the same time a soft little song that is his 
method of speech.” 
