Some Merry Seed-Eaters 



"Then I hope there won t be much snow," 

 declared Peter very emphatically. "There are 

 few enough folks about in winter at best, goodness 

 knows, and I don't know of any one I enjoy having 

 for a neighbor more than I do you." 



"Thank you again, Peter," cried Dotty, "and 

 please let me return the compliment. I like cold 

 weather. I like winter when there isn't too much 

 ice and bad weather. I always feel good in cold 

 weather. That is one reason I go north to nest." 



"Speaking of nests, do you build in a tree?" 

 inquired Peter. 



"Usually on or near the ground," replied Dotty. 

 ' You know I am really a ground bird although I 

 am called a Tree Sparrow. Most of us Sparrows 

 spend our time on or near the ground." 



"I know," replied Peter. "Do you know I'm 

 very fond of the Sparrow family. I just love your 

 cousin Chippy, who nests in the Old Orchard every 

 spring. I wish he would stay all winter. I really 

 don't see why he doesn't. I should think he could 

 if you can." 



Dotty laughed. It was a tinkling little laugh, 

 good to hear. "Cousin Chippy would starve to 

 death," he declared. "It is all a matter of food. 

 You ought to know that by this time, Peter. 

 Cousin Chippy lives chiefly on worms and bugs 

 and I live almost wholly on seeds, and that is what 

 [3011 



