24 
SPARROWS AND LINNETS. 
Sparrow, supposed to be this hen, was observed sit- 
ting on the very spot, where the accident had hap- 
pened, crouched together, with her feathers all 
standing up, so as to give her the appearance of a 
ball, conveying a perfect idea of disconsolate suf- 
fering. 
Timid as birds are, attachment to their young will 
frequently change their very nature, and inspire a 
boldness and confidence, in these little creatures, 
which calls for respect and admiration. What can 
be more interesting than the affection of the two 
Linnets we are about to mention ? A nest containing 
four young ones, scarcely fledged, was found by some 
children, who resolved to carry them home, for the 
purpose of rearing and taming the young birds. 
The old ones, attracted by their chirping, continued 
fluttering round the children, till they reached the 
house, when the nest was carried up stairs to the 
nursery, and placed outside the window. The old 
birds, soon afterwards, made their appearance, ap- 
proached the nest, and fed their family, without 
showing alarm. This being noticed, the nest was 
soon afterwards placed on a table in the middle of 
the apartment, and the window left open. The 
parent birds came boldly in, and fed their offspring 
as before. Still further to put their attachment to 
the test, the nest and young ones were placed within 
a bird-cage ; still the old ones returned, entered 
boldly within the cage, and supplied the wants of 
their brood as before, and towards evening actually 
perched on the cage, regardless of the noise made 
around them, by several children. This continued 
for several days; when an unlucky accident put an 
