Birch in a Sitting-room. 23 



It may be considered a peculiar advantage in the 

 taming of my present stock, that a long illness lias 

 kept me much in their society, so that they have had 

 ample time to become accustomed to me. I do not, 

 however, think myself that others will find any 

 xtra difficulty from the want of this privilege. Birds 

 I had as a child were, if possible, still more tame, 

 though, being kept in a little room where I learned 

 my lessons, they certainly did not enjoy too much 

 of my society. On my side there has been the 

 advantage of ample time in which to observe their 

 ways and to learn their language, far more intelligible 

 than any one could suppose. Such radiantly happy 

 things they are, sitting on picture -frames all round 

 the room, actually shouting in their joyous songs, and 

 then chasing each other round, singing and flying, 

 the conqueror pouring out such triumphant music ! 



CHAPTER IV. 



BIRDS IN A SITTING-ROOM. 



1. THERE are few things more popular in all sorts 

 *of rooms than a bird-cage perhaps with a single in- 

 mate, perhaps with a pair of birds, or perhaps with 

 even a whole long line of the lovely Amandavas or 

 .the pretty Waxbills ; and the expensive bird, who 



