BOYHOOD AND BIRDS. 
81 
old in this external life. The large, blue, bulbous-looking 
eyes bad never yet been opened, and they were entirely bare 
on most parts of the body. As I examined them in silence, 
it suddenly occurred to me to see if pulsation had entirely 
ceased, though I had not at the moment the most remote ex- 
pectation either that they could have survived exposure to 
the chill night air ; or, even if they had been fully alive, of 
being able to raise them myself. It would require a more 
delicate skill than mine to keep the life-current moving in 
those frail bodies. I was simply curious to see how long 
any indications of life would survive such cold — for the little 
creatures felt like lumps of ice in my hands. To my great 
surprise I saw through the transparent tissues of the under 
parts of the body, that circulation still went on. I could 
clearly see all the exquisite machinery of the heart and arte- 
ries working freely like some fairy watch. I uttered an ex- 
clamation of surprise, mingled with joy, as a new idea at the 
same moment flashed through my brain. 
" "Wonderful ! why they are alive yet. We ivorit be 
cheated out of our pets. I am determined they shall live 
yet ! See how their tiny hearts beat ! Here, dear, put them 
in that warm little bosom of yours, and they will soon be 
well as ever again." 
" But, brother, what good is it going to do to bring the 
little creatures to life? The mother has been frightened 
away, the nest is destroyed, and they will die before she 
comes back again, if she ever does." 
0, you must be mother just now ! put them in." 
"I cannot feed such tender things as these. My fingers 
are not small enough, and I do not know what to give 
them ! It's a pity to bring them back to feeling again, just 
to starve !" 
"Nevermind. You put tliem in your bosom. I've got 
an idea. It's worth trying. I've always felt that I Avas go- 
ing to have the first brood of these birds, and have it I 
will. Now, you see if I don't. These villainous vagabonds 
G 
