io THE PIGEON-FANCIER. 



the day, and I often do, I come home in the 

 evening and interest myself with the birds ; I 

 forget the day's trouble in their company, and so 

 find a good night's sleep where other men would 



miss it." 



^ 



I knew a blind man a Fancier. The birds 

 and he were great friends and constant com- 

 panions. He sat in his loft, and they alighted 

 on his head, his shoulders, his knee. He could 

 not see them, but he heard them. He would 

 sit quietly thus for hours, the sun shining upon 

 his sightless eyes and silvery head, surrounded 

 by his feathered friends, listening to the flutter 

 of their wings and the language of their cooing. 

 He was content and joyous. If one of his 

 children entered the loft they caught a bird, 

 described it, and put it in father's hand. He 

 fondled it a short time and let it go. Oh yes ! 

 our birds help to smooth from the crumpled 

 countenance the lines of care ; they lead our 

 minds away from the fretful realm of strife. If 

 life is monotonous, they provide a healthy diver- 

 sion ; if life is overwrought, they impart com- 

 posure to it ; instead of spending our leisure 

 hours listlessly and stupidly, they furnish an 

 intelligent and profitable pastime. They help 

 to adjust the balance and keep the harp of life 



