140 BIRDS THROUGH AN OPERA-GLASS. 



becomes inhabitants of No. 4, hopping about pick- 

 ing up seeds. 



Another day they and some white-throats were 

 by the side of the barn eating grain scattered at 

 the threshing. Not content with what they could 

 find there, some of them flew up on the sill of a 

 small window, hopped along, and actually disap- 

 peared in the dark barn. 



As the weather grew colder they came^ as they 

 do every spring and fall, to see what they could 

 find to eat by the side of the house. Here, where 

 they find only friends, they raise their heads with 

 quiet curiosity when you approach, and seem 

 notably gentle, trustful birds ; but it is said that 

 they show much caution as well as intelligence in 

 eluding their enemies, and are among the most 

 difficult birds to snare. 



XL. 



KINGLETS. 



Do you know these dainty little birds that visit 

 us twice a year ? Some bright September morn- 

 ing you wake up and find them flitting about the 

 apple-trees, and know that fall has come. But 

 they tell you the fact in such a breezy, cheery way 

 that you remember only how glad you are to see 

 them. In April they are back just long enough 

 to sing out " How do you do ? " and then are off 

 for the north so that summer shan't catch them. 



