102 Song Birds. 



tumbles down from its own nest, and it may be nursed 

 till it has come to be quite at home. I have brought 

 up many and many a Swallow, though, of course, 

 not for a cage. 



In many cases a Swallow once tamed returns 

 again, year by year, to the well-known places, and 

 with many birds a fiiendship seems to be hereditary, 

 the young pairs becoming more and more familiar. 

 In another chapter I have alluded to birds brought 

 up from the nest, either in a cage fed by the parents, 

 or by hand ; and also to such as having been rescued 

 either from cold or from any accident have grown 

 quite tame ; these will hop about us, tap at the 

 window, come in at the door, call when they see us, 

 and be, in fact, the most amusing and bold of socially 

 disposed birds. 



3. Even in London people can find some interest 

 in the Sparrow tribe. It may be remarked that the 

 pet cage-birds are mostly themselves of the sparrow 

 class ; but at any rate friendships are sometimes 

 struck up, which are truly amusing ; and the audacity 

 of the young Sparrow broods feeding within a yard 

 of me, and stealing the food put down for my own 

 birds, often affords me much entertainment : and 

 their attitudes, basking in the sun, or taking dust 

 baths, are very attractive while they are young and 

 pretty. 



They come too on my windows, and have great 



