tions of building there a new nest. We the nest and uttering a tender Httle chirp, 



at once procured another box and put it as much as to say, "Don't be afraid,— 



up, in underneath the veranda ceiHng, this is the way to do it, — only see how 



leaving the top of the box wholly open. easy." 



By again closing the mail-box their at- The second brood left the nest about 

 tention was diverted from it, and the new the middle of July. Being yet early in 

 box, in plain view from mail-box, was the season we rather expected the pair to 

 soon espied. The sparrows also discov- nest again, but having now a family of 

 ered it at about the same time and there nine they probably considered their work 

 was another sharp conflict for possession. well done, and gave the rest of the sum- 

 We had not allowed the sparrows to mer and the fore part of autumn to 

 build anywhere about our premises, al- teaching their young the economics of 

 though they had made many attempts, bird life. They remained in the neigh- 

 and they were now getting desperate, borhood, cheering us with their presence 

 After several fierce tussles between them and pretty ways, until taking their de- 

 the Bluebirds, much to our joy, were parture for the southland. They were 

 again victors, and there the female all fond of the bath, but especially did the 

 builded her neat and cozy nest, again laid young birds find great delight in it. And 

 five eggs, and hatched her brood of five, our delight in watching them was not 

 right over our heads. less. During the warmer weather they 

 It was a pleasing yet quite remarkable came quite regularly, morning and eve- 

 matter that the older brood should show ning, for a dip in the' water, and often 

 such affection toward the younger. would get into the pan three or four to- 

 They would perch upon the edge of the gether. And how they made the water 

 box and look down upon the little fellows fly ! So well did they love it that at 

 in the nest with as much apparent in- times, after preening their feathers for a 

 terest and tenderness as older children few moments, they were back again into 

 look upon the little baby brother or sister the water for a second dip, then off to 

 in the cradle. The male parent, however, forage or to bed. 



was loth to allow the youngsters to be But the summer waned, and autumn 



/ too familiar, and would drive them from was fast verging upon winter, with its 



the box, as if he feared they might unin- cold northerly winds, when, loth as we 



tentionally harm the little things. This were to have them leave us. they fol- 



first brood evidently understood that the lowed the lead of their native instinct and 



later members of the family had yet to flew away in search of a warmer clime, 



pass through the ordeal of learning to We loved them and miss them, but long 



fly, and only the day previous to that on for renewed acquaintanceship another 



which they took their flight we observed season, 



some of the older ones fluttering above Frank M. Boxer. 



GOD'S GREEN VELVET 



One morning in the month of May, 

 I took my journey o'er the hills. 

 Where Nature in her bridal lay. 



I saw the forest's smoky line 

 Beyond the river's sparkling tide. 

 Decked in sweet green of living pine. 



Nearer, the oak and elm stood 

 In all the forest's lusty strength. 

 As kingly monarchs of the wood, 



209 



