FIRST WEEK IN FEBRUARY 



Valentine's Day is approaching (and the time, too, when 

 the lawn needs attention), it is amusing in searching for 

 daisies on the tennis lawn to watch these three birds 

 arrive on the grass for the scattered crumbs, and the con- 

 sequent flirtations and jealousies which ensue. Whether 

 the old beau will forsake Sylvia for the gayer looks of 

 Ruby is not yet determined ; but in that case I fancy the 

 little widow will pair off with a smart young bird which 

 resides near the entrance gate, and pays her marked atten- 

 tions when he can do so without attracting the notice of 

 the older robin, which would certainly get the best of it 

 should it come to a serious fight. But probably the next 

 " cold snap " will quiet them all down ; and the terrific 

 encounters which now take place will be forgotten in the 

 anxieties of the search for food. 



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