AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 



151 



ti.<\-M- 



address all communications to 

 Meg Merrythought 

 156 Waterville St., Waterbury, Ct, 



My Dear Young Folks: 



Not long ago a bird lover was telling of a happy family which took 

 possession of his veranda last summer to the great delight of the mem- 

 bers of the household. 



A pair of Wrens built in one of the small alcoves formed by the 

 decorations around the edge of the veranda roof, and raised a brood of 

 seven brown babies. In course of time, they built a second nest in an 

 adjoining alcove, and ere long five more gaping mouths were clamoring 

 to be filled. 



Then father and mother disappeared. They had spent weeks hustling 

 about for food for the children who had outgrown the next room, and 

 perhaps thought that they had earned a vacation. At all events, they 

 flew away, and the young birds of the first family, faithfully brought 

 daily supplies of worms and grubs to the brothers and sisters of brood 

 number two, until they too were able to pick up a living for themselves. 



This rare instance of brotherly love and helpfulness, was watched 

 with great interest, and beguiled, many weary hours for an invalid in- 

 mate of the home. 



Many charming accounts of out door visits with the birds have been 

 received from our boys and girls, and next month we shall be able to 

 tell you who received the picture promised. 



Cordially, Your Friend, 



Meg Merrythought. 



