222 STORIES ABOUT BIRDS. 



before referred as one of the most acceptable 

 writers for my "Youth's Cabinet," has drawn 

 a lesson from the efforts of the parent swallows 

 in persuading their young to leave the nest. 

 " They urge them soon," he says, in one of his 

 sweet songs for youth, 



" They urge them soon, with voice and wing, 

 To range o'er hill and dale; 

 The fledgelings from their cradle spring, 

 But find their efforts fail. 



"But where the parents lead the way. 

 As oft they try to rise, 

 They learn at length their wings to play. 

 And trace the lofty skies. 



" If pleased, beneath an ash reclined, 

 To view a sight so fair, 

 I more would joy, with men to find 

 The wisdom practiced there. 



"May peace and love, to heaven allied. 

 Thus dwell at every door; 

 Let parents thus their ofispring guide, 

 And teach their souls to soar." 



You have doubtless heard of the esculent 

 swallow, and of the remarkable nest which it 

 builds. This bird is a native of China and the 

 islands in the vicinity. On another page you 

 have a picture of the bird and its nest. The 



