124 



The NiUhatch. 



ready to fly, they brought them to the hospitable window, where 

 they were to be nourished, and soon after disappeared entirely. 

 It was amusing to see these two new visitors hang or climb on 

 the walls or blinds, whilst their benefactress put their food on 

 the board. These pretty creatures as well as the tits, knew her 

 so well, that when she drove away the sparrows, which came to 

 steal what was not intended for them, they did not fly away also, 

 but seemed to know what was done was only to protect and 

 defend them. They remained near the house for the whole 

 summer, rarely wandering, till one fatal day, at the beginning 

 of the sporting season, in autumn, on hearing the report of a 

 gun, they disappeared and were never seen again." 



Watson & Hazell, Printers, 28, Charles Street, Hatton Garden. 



