THE SEVEN SISTERS. 21 



bird I have heard, and a mocker to boot. Some day, 

 possibly, when people begin to realize that desirable birds 

 can be cultivated in gardens as well as desirable plants 

 (the efforts of humanity in the former direction hitherto 

 having been largely expended in the acclimatization of 

 nuisances) we may have the peko making our gardens 

 melodious and supplanting the " shrieking sisterhood" 

 altogether a consummation devoutly to be wished, 

 although, till some such better bird takes their place* 

 their industriously insectivorous habits may give . them a 

 raison d'etre. 



