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AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 



some cinnamon ferns in yonder field, where even now the little spar- 

 rowy mother was busily engaged in supplying food to the hungry 

 occupants. On, past many a cradle rocked by murmuring breezes, 

 until we came upon the prettiest sight of all, a dwelling of twigs, 

 leaves and grass, about four feet from the ground, shaded by glossy, 

 green laurel leaves. On the farther edge of the nest sat the mother 

 bird, seemingly very proud, (as well she might be) of her four little 

 ones which the nest would hardly contain. The youthful members of 

 the family were nearly ready to go out and seek their fortune in the 

 great world, for they had donned their brown coats and white vests 

 with trimmings of dark brown spots, and their bright eyes looked out 

 fearlessly upon a world of untried adventure. When next I passed 

 that way they were gone, but from the slopes beyond came sweet bell 

 like notes telling me that at least part of the family was safe and happy. 



GLEANINGS. 



A bird's nest, mark it well, within, without, 



No tool had he that wrought, no knife to cut, 

 No nail to fix, no bodkin to insert. 



No glue to join; his little beak was all. 

 And yet how neatly finished! What nice hand 



With every implement and means of art, 

 And twenty years of apprenticeship, to boot. 



Could make one such another? — Hurdis. 



Do you never think what wondrous beings these? 



Do you never think who made them, and who taught 

 The dialect they speak, where melodies 



Alone are the interpreters of thought? 

 Whose household words are songs in many keys 



Sweeter than instrument of man e'er caught. — Longfellow. 



