FAMILY CARES 97 



the constant imitation of their note by the 

 starlings. 



I think my little cole tits (one little pair has 

 been very constant and tanie alL the spring) are 

 only just building their nest. One came yester- 

 day with a beakful of sycamore blossoms ; it was 

 passing, apparently, but turned aside on seeing 

 my plate of bacon. The little thing was about 

 to peck at the bacon when it seemed to remember 

 that its beak was already filled, and flew away 

 busily in the direction of an orchard near, which 

 I have no doubt is full of birds this year, as the 

 house is unoccupied. The cole tits have such 

 pretty, dainty ways that I should think their nests 

 ought to be very delicate affairs. I had a gold- 

 crest about my arbor-vitce lately, but I think the 

 other birds objected to its presence. 



My two tame robins are almost worn out 

 with the labour and anxiety of bringing up their 

 family. Two little things were cheeping about 

 in the garden a few days ago, but I think they 

 have gone further now. One was picked up by 

 my servant at the gate some time ago, and brought 

 in for the night. Workmen have been painting 

 and plastering the house outside, which has 

 increased the trouble of the parent birds ; but, on 

 the other hand, there are no cats next door this 

 year. Very thin and shabby my poor little robins 



H 



