136 NATURE'S STORY OF THE YEAR 



quite so vigorous. Next morning, perhaps, the 

 boy oversleeps himself, and does not hear plaintive 

 voices calling for a poor, forlorn mother, who at 

 that very time is disconsolately crying for them in 

 the accustomed shade. The story is soon ended : 



THE SCHOOLBOYS VICTIMS. 



one or more stiff little bodies, fluffy indeed, but 

 somewhat dirty, are flung into the dustbin ; and 

 the boy seeks another nest. 



Is this annual tale of stolen birds a result of 

 human affection extending beyond humankind ? 



