22 • THE BROWN THRUSHES: 
the attacks of marauding enemies, and to talk 
to and enliven her while engaged in her 
labors. At night he took np his position 
close to the nest, where he kept a careful 
guard over his treasures, and only slept when 
he was certain of the greatest security. 
Thus passed the first day of incubation, 
and the others were but copies of it. Brown 
exhibiting the same kind attentions and watch- 
ful care for the security and comfort of his 
loving wife, and she showing the same fond 
affection for her mate, and appreciation of the 
attentions that he bestowed upon her. 
At last four little Thrushes were hatched, 
and, as soon as the parents could control 
themselves sufficiently in their great excite- 
ment, the neighbors were notified of the 
happy event, and such a gathering, and such 
a tempest of congratulations, were never seen 
or heard in birddom. All the ladies agreed 
that the little strangers looked the very image 
of their papa, — that is the very first opinion 
that we ever hear expressed by the sex, about 
a baby; — and while some of their husbands 
