CHAPTER V 



* A TRUE STORY OF THE VERY BEST 

 PET BIRD 



The scene was laid in an abandoned apple 

 orchard, situated in a snug little valley, surrounded 

 on aU but the southern side by heavily timbered 

 hiUs ; these kept constant guard, ever ready to 

 check the advance of the cold north wind, that 

 enemy of the spring vegetation. Here it was that 

 the sun's rays were held captive during the many 

 hours of the steadily lengthening days, so that birds 

 flocked in great numbers, in quest of the many 

 insects that were brought to life by the generous 

 warmth ; here also the first buds were to be found. 

 They peeped out as though frightened, and the 

 birds took advantage of these dehcacies and ate 

 liberally of the supply so easily procured. 



With one exception all the birds were spending 

 the long, bright days (many celebrating their return 

 from Southern quarters) in flying about, singing, 

 and enjoying the Heaven-sent sunshine of spring — 

 the power that was coaxing the leaves from their 

 protecting sheaths, to clothe the woods once more 

 in a rich green covering, the covering that must 

 protect the more delicate flowers from the scorching 

 heat of the midsummer sun. 



All nature seemed to be rejoicing in the death of 



* Never published before. ■ . _ 



