32 



The Blackbird. 



the ground, observed a large weasel stealing slyly along in pur- 

 suit of its prey. It was, however, driven effectually from the 

 place without doing any harm. It is astonishing how soon the 

 young know this intimation of danger ; for I observed that no 

 sooner did the old ones utter the alarm-cry, than they cowered 

 in their nest, and appeared to be in a state of great uneasiness." 



