BOYHOOD AND BIRDS. 81 



old in this external life. The large, blue, bulbous-looking 

 eyes had never yet been opened, and they were entirely bare 

 on most parts of the body. As I examined them in silence, 

 it suddenly occurred to me to see if pulsation had entirely 

 ceased, though I had not at the moment the most remote ex- 

 pectation either that they could have survived exposure to 

 the chill night air ; or, even if they had been fully alive, of 

 being able to raise them myself. It would require a more 

 delicate skill than mine to keep the life-current moving in 

 those frail bodies. I was simply curious to see how long 

 any indications of life would survive such cold' for the little 

 creatures felt like lumps of ice in my hands. To my great 

 surprise I saw through the transparent tissues of the under 

 parts of the body, that circulation still went on. I could 

 clearly see all the exquisite machinery of the heart and arte- 

 ries working freely like some fairy watch. I uttered an ex- 

 clamation of surprise, mingled with joy, as a new idea at the 

 same moment flashed through my brain. 



" Wonderful ! why they are alive yet. We won't be 

 cheated out of our pets. I am determined they shall live 

 yet ! See how their tiny hearts beat ! Here, dear, put them 

 in that warm little bosom of yours, and they will soon be 

 well as ever again." 



" But, brother, what good is it going to do to bring the 

 little creatures to life? The mother has been frightened 

 away, the nest is destroyed, and they will die before she 

 comes back again, if she ever does." 



<; O, you must be mother just now ! put them in." 



"I cannot feed such tender things as these. My fingers 

 are not small enough, and I do not know what to give 

 them ! It's a pity to bring them back to feeling again, just 

 to starve!" 



"Nevermind. You put them in your bosom. I've got 

 an idea. It's worth trying. I've always felt that I was go- 

 ing to have the first brood of these birds, and have it I 

 will. Now, you see if I don't. These villainous vagabonds 



6 



