. 



Introductory. 3 



social habits ; nor do they give them credit for half their 

 loving ways. I have known little pets fly all in a 

 flutter to meet and greet me, when really I thought 

 they would have quite forgotten that they had ever 

 known me ; and only let any one nurse a wounded 

 bird, and see if it forgets the benefit received. 



8. Besides, they are very clever. I am sure if as 

 many people lived sociably with birds, as with dogs 

 and cats, we should have soon a thousand proofs of 

 their sagacious ways. Speaking for myself, I know 

 quite well by their tones what my birds are wanting, 

 sometimes it may be only a kindly recognition 

 of a passing friend ; but a few days ago when two 

 were fighting and we took no notice, there was little 

 doubt what the conquered wanted, she called us to 

 her assistance as plainly as if she had spoken. 



4. Birds remember, too, even if they are free, those 

 whom they have known. We used at one time to rear 

 many birds, half Canaries and half golden Linnets ; and 

 these birds having learnt to sing the canary notes, 

 would be let fly away to build amongst the shrubs. 

 It was a doubtful experiment, so many of them got 

 caught ; but it used to be very pleasant while walking 

 amongst the trees to hear a sweet voice calling to us, 

 and to see one of our former charges flying on 

 before us, passing from one tree to another, bowing, 

 and fluttering, and keeping up the talk, as long 

 as we on our part would condescend to answer. 



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