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which had sunk into his soul, and so filled it with melody as 

 he beat the still air with his gentle wings. 



Then hid away among the bushes which filled one corner, 

 we could sometimes catch a glimpse of Bob White, as he 

 called his " wife " back from her inquisitive peering at us, and 

 the little shore larks who were so shy and gliding, looking 

 ever as if some still wave from the sea was chasing them 

 higher on the sands, and as if they must in a moment take 

 wing, while we gaze steadily to distinguish their rapid quiv- 

 ering flight in the sunshine, from the dash of glittering spray. 



But what have we here ? What a lovely figure what 

 perfect plumage ! What do you call this gentleman who 

 seems to be protector general of all that crowd of canaries ? 

 See ! the scamp has pounced upon that large mocking bird, 

 and has sent him screaming in rage across the room. And 

 how cool he is ; he evidently does not consider that a great 

 feat. What a knowing air he has! how, he determines to 

 make our acquaintance to retort to our questionings. We 

 beg the honor of an introduction to this extremely nonchal- 

 ant gentleman. No ! do not tell me he is called simple 

 " Master Cat-Bird " let me confer upon him his rightful title. 

 Henceforth we shall know him as " General Bern " the 

 brave general the magnanimous, the impulsive though calm, 

 the handsome, our favorite General Bern. Come here, and 

 take this berry in proof that your honors are real, not vision- 

 ary, as the world too often makes them. Henceforth thou 

 art Bern ! Great Bern we take thee to our heart and may 

 we be permitted to take him to our home ! 



Well, General Bern went home with us at once, and was 

 immediately given his liberty, which he made use of by peer- 

 ing into every closet, examining and dragging everything 

 from its proper place, which he could manage, pecking and 

 squalling, dashing hither and thither, until at night he quietly 

 went into his cage as if he was nearly or quite positive that 

 he must commence a new career on the morrow ; it was evi- 

 dent that he had to begin the world over again, yet, as he 



