40 Song 



and perch themselves in their proper cage with the 

 most solemn dignity. One of iny birds was out one 

 day while the places of the furniture were being 

 altered, and he was hardly put to it where to go- 

 fer safety; but his own cage was there, and though 

 it was on the stand at that moment being moved, 

 in flew my friend, and there he sat the whole time. 



4. If we wish to tame a Robin, one of the most 

 pleasant of home pets, it must be done very gradually, 

 making great friends with a young bird and feeding 

 it, when it will often come contentedly to roost in- 

 doors in the colder weather, and will cheerfully intro- 

 duce its small brown brood to hop about before us 

 later in the season on the gravel walk. And one 

 tame Eobin will often bring in another, when they 

 are at peace, which is very rare, though I have 

 several which seem very happy. A young bird 

 brought up from a nest is a most agreeable pet ; he 

 ought in that case to possess a cage, but to be- 

 allowed to go in and out at will. My own favourite 

 little bird hops about my room continually, and the 

 instant I call either him or any one else, he comes, 

 hopping up with great long hops, to answer to his 

 name or see what is going on. 



He eats egg and bread crumbs, German paste,, 

 hemp and canary seeds, and must have abundant 

 water. Yesterday I had my windows open, and Bobby 

 was kept in his cage all the morning ; so towards* 



