166 ANIMAL SKETCHES. CHAP. xi. 



represented at second hand. And so with regard to other 

 matters concerning birds of which I have said somewhat. 

 Do not be content with them at second hand. See them 

 for yourselves, dear readers, see them for yourselves as 

 you must hear for yourselves the liquid notes of the night- 

 ingale. What ? Master Impertinence ! would you have 

 had me for nightingale write sparrow ? Well, as I began 

 so will I end. And I will confess that for me the chirping 

 of sparrows is a music that I could ill spare. Indeed, I 

 know of nothing pleasanter in the summer morning's 

 prime, than to hear a chorus of sparrows welcoming the 

 rising sun outside my window, and to feel that I have two 

 or three good hours more ere I need get up to face the 

 duties of the day. 



