The Burgess Bird Boole for Children 



while he scratched among the leaves in search of 

 his breakfast. 



"I just love to hear you sing, Melody," cried 

 Peter rather breathlessly. "I don't know of any 

 other song that makes me feel quite as yours does, 

 so sort of perfectly contented and free of care and 

 worry." 



"Thank you," replied Melody. "I'm glad you 

 like to hear me sing for there is nothing I like to do 

 better. It is the one way in which I can express 

 my feelings. I love all the Great World and I just 

 have to tell it so. I do not mean to boast when I 

 say that all the Thrush family have good voices." 



"But you have the best of all," cried Peter. 



Melody shook his brown head. "I wouldn't say 

 that," said he modestly. "I think the song of my 

 cousin, Hermit, is even more beautiful than mine. 

 And then there is my other cousin, Veery. His 

 song is wonderful, I think." 



But just then Peter's curiosity was greater than 

 his interest in songs. "Have you built your nest 

 yet?" he asked. 



Melody nodded. "It is in a little tree not far 

 from here," said he, "and Mrs. Wood Thrush is 

 sitting on five eggs this blessed minute. Isn't that 

 perfectly lovely ?" 



It was Peter's turn to nod. "What is your nest 

 built of ?" he inquired. 



