7*'* 



'HIVBBfS 



LETTER XV 



Birds : their ways of regarding Man Swallows Robins Sparrows 

 Blackbirds Thrushes Starlings Tomtits. 



November 1886. 



DEAR MARCO Different birds regard 

 man and his doings in very different ways ; 

 for instance, swallows always seem to me 

 to ignore the existence of man altogether, 

 apparently far too much occupied in their 

 own business to take any notice of him. If 

 they find any buildings that are suitable for 

 their nests, they fearlessly and persistently 

 build there, quite unmindful of the move- 

 ments and doings of the human owner. When 

 interfered with they appear bothered and 

 surprised, but if let alone they testify no 

 gratitude, but pursue their incessant business 

 of fly-catching. They no doubt are aware 



