OUR BIRDS IN WINTER. 
85 
Farmer Murray, the owner of the orchard, 
should treat them to the best in his power, and 
protect them from their old enemies, the 
snakes ; they were deserving of his warmest 
gratitude.” 
Gratitude ! ” answered Mr. Chick-a-dee, 
somewhat contemptuously, who ever heard 
of a farmer’s being grateful for a chick-a-dee’s 
labors in his orchards, and yet how could they 
get along without us ? Why, they would be 
completely overrun with insects if it were not 
for us, and see liow scurvily he treats us ; it is 
almost enough to make one leave civilization 
entirely, and live altogether iii the woods.” 
True enough,” answered another of the 
group, I believe men are among the most 
ungrateful of created beings ; not the farmers 
alone, but all classes and trades. I have seen 
a little of their ingratitude, and want as little 
to do with them as possible.” 
Yes ! ” said one of- the Wrens, I came 
near losing my life through a man’s ingrati- 
tude, even when I had really saved his own.” 
How was that ? ” inquired several. 
