74 HUM, THE SON OF BUZ. 



again, and was found clinging, like a little bunch of green 

 floss silk, to the mosquito netting of the window. 



A day after this we brought in a large green bough, and 

 put it up over the looking-glass. Hum noticed it before it 

 had been there five minutes, flew to it, and began a regu- 

 lar survey, perching now here, now there, till he seemed to 

 find a twig that exactly suited him ; and after that he 

 roosted there every night. Who does not see in this 

 change all the signs of reflection and reason that are 

 shown by us in thinking over our circumstances, and try- 

 ing to better them ? It seemed to say in so many words : 

 " That towel-line is an unsafe place for a bird ; I get 

 frightened, and wake from bad dreams to find myself head 

 downwards ; so I will find a better roost on this twig." 



When our little Jenny one day put on a clean white 

 muslin gown embellished with red sprigs, Hum flew towards 

 her, and with his bill made instant examination of these 

 new appearances ; and one day, being very affectionately 

 disposed, perched himself on her shoulder, and sat some 



time. On another occasion, while Mr. A was reading, 



Hum established himself on the top of his head just over 

 the middle of his forehead, in the precise place where our 

 young belles have lately worn stuffed humming-birds, mak- 

 ing him look as if dressed out for a party. Hum's most 

 favorite perch was the back of the great rocking-chair, which, 

 being covered by a tidy, gave some hold into which he 



