220 THE BIRD. 



leaves one by one, with skill and conscientiousness, allowing nothing 

 to pass which had not been attentively examined. 



Thus, in the gloomiest months, when the sleep of nature so closely 

 resembles death, the bird continued for us the spectacle of life. Even 

 among the snow, the thrush saluted us when we arose. During our 

 grave winter walks we were always accompanied by the wren, with 

 its golden crest, its short, quick song, its soft and flute-like recall. 

 The more familiar sparrows appeared on our balconies; punctual to 

 the hour, they knew that twice a-day their meal would be ready for 

 them, without any peril to their freedom. 



For the rest, the honest labourers, on the arrival of spring, scrupled 

 to ask our aid. As soon as their young were able to fly, they joy- 

 ously brought them to our windows, as if to thank and bless us. 



