A STRAY CANARY 81 



March 30, 1884. 



A canary came to the verandah to-day. I 

 opened the window a little, and it flew up and 

 seemed about to come in, and then struck by 

 some strangeness, I suppose flew away. A few 

 minutes afterwards it was beating itself against 

 the window of the landing, and trying to get in. 

 I opened the window an inch and spoke to it, and 

 it chirped and shook its wings, but when I opened 

 the window more, away it flew again. Again I 

 saw it at the window, and I heard that it had 

 come about the kitchen door with the other birds. 

 Whilst I was looking for it out of the hall window, 

 I suddenly perceived two dark brown eyes close 

 to me, looking earnestly at me from the midst of 

 the clematis. A blackbird has built a nest there, 

 and is sitting apparently. I can see it as I go up 

 and down the steps to the door. I hope no one 

 else will do so, but alas ! it is dreadfully exposed, 

 and if the clematis does not make haste and come 

 into leaf and hide it, the next boy that passes will 

 certainly see it. The old thrush's nest still re- 

 mains there, though it was built several years 

 ago ; and as the thrush brought up at least one 

 family there, I hope the blackbird may do so. 



June 13, 1884. 



But it did not. It sat for some time there ; 

 but one day I heard a loud outcry such as only 



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