XIII. 

 THE BIRD OF THE STREET. 



As I said, the sparrow is a domestic tyrant, 

 brooking no opposition. I have never observed 

 a case in which the hen had her own way. He 

 is so great a bully, so self-willed and violent, 

 that, whatever the cause of disagreement, he 

 holds out with dogged obstinacy till he gets his 

 will. In one case there was difference of opin- 

 ion as to the site for a nest ; he wishing to oc- 

 cupy an empty cottage of man's providing, 

 while she, with finer instinct, had decided upon 

 a charming crotch in an evergreen tree. At 

 first she opposed him strongly, scattering the 

 material he brought, throwing the choicest bits 

 to the winds, while he stormed and scolded, 

 and brought more. In the intervals between 

 thwarting his plans, she would accumulate ma- 

 terials in the chosen tree. He scorned to touch 

 them ; he siinply ignored her designs, and pro- 

 ceeded with obstinacy almost sublime to bring, 

 and bring, and bring, till she was worn out, 

 gave up, and accepted the cottage at last. 



