4 BIRDS NESTS. 



in the fields, so we thought we would come 

 into the orchard and look for a missel-thrush's 

 nest in the apple-trees. So we found a place 

 where the cow had broken down the fence, 

 and came in. As we were walking along, 

 I saw a bird with a blue back fly into that 

 hole, and we thought there must be a nest in 

 it ; so we climbed up very quietly, and I held 

 my cap before the hole, that we might catch 

 the old bird; but it would not come out. 

 Then I tried to put my hand in, but the hole 

 was not large enough ; so I lent Bill Johnson 

 my knife, and he cut away the wood round 

 the hole, to make it larger, and just as you 

 came up, he put in his hand and caught the 

 bird." 



" And pray," said Mr. Miller, " was it any 

 pleasure to you to terrify a poor harmless bird, 

 that risked its life in order that it might pro- 

 tect its nest ? If robbers were to attack your 

 house in the night, and you were strong enough 

 to defend yoqr mother and sisters, would you 



