A WOODLAND INTIMATE. 



Surely there are times 

 When they consent to own me of their kin, 

 And condescend to me, and call me cousin. 



JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL. 



IT is one of the enjoyable features of 

 bird study, as in truth it is of life in gen- 

 eral, that so many of its pleasantest expe- 

 riences have not to be sought after, but 

 befall us by the way ; like rare and beauti- 

 ful flowers, which are never more welcome 

 than when they smile upon us unexpect- 

 edly from the roadside. 



One May morning I had spent an hour 

 in a small wood where I am accustomed to 

 saunter, and, coming out into the road on 

 my way home again, fell in with a friend. 

 " Would n't you like to see an oven- 

 bird's nest ? " I inquired. He assented, and 

 turning back, I piloted him to the spot. 

 The little mother sat motionless, just 

 within the door of her comfortable, roofed 

 house, watching us intently, but all uncon- 



