138 THE LIFE OF A BIRD. 



sparrow was quite alive. It was then returned 

 to the nest a but in a few minutes it was thrust out 

 and had again a narrow escape of being dashed to 

 the ground, its progress having been again stopped 

 by the margin of the nest. The cuckoo was then 

 taken out, and this egg was placed in its stead. 

 The old birds during this time flew about the 

 spot, showing signs of great anxiety ; but when 

 the observer withdrew they quickly came to the 

 nest again. In a quarter of an hour's time, the 

 young sparrow was completely hatched, warm, 

 and lively. The old birds were now permitted to 

 remain undisturbed with their new charge for 

 three hours, during which time they paid every 

 attention to it, when their domestic tranquillity 

 was again interrupted by the introduction of the 

 cuckoo. The parents of the sparrow having been 

 much disturbed by the intrusion made upon their 

 privacy, for a time showed an unwillingness 

 to come to it. However, at length they came, 

 and in a few minutes again the young sparrow 

 was turned out of its own home by the cuckoo. 

 It was again restored, and again the impudent 

 stranger turned the real inheritor of the dwelling 

 out, and tumbled it to the ground. 



