CHAPTEB III. 
THE STABLING 
(Sturnus vulgaris ). 
“ High on the topmost branches of the elm 
In sable conversation sits the flock 
Of social Starlings, the withdrawing beam 
Enjoying, snpperless, of hasty day.”— 
Huedis. 
Befobe the snow has melted from wood and field, 
before “ the Lark at heaven’s gate sings,” before the 
Blackbird has begun its rich, full-toned lay, there 
appears in our northern latitudes a pleasant, cheerful, 
family friend of ours : returning from his winter journey 
he perches on the weathercock of the village church, or 
on the topmost branch of the highest tree in the place, 
and pours out, clear and joyous, a happy, variable song. 
It is our friend the Starling, the philosopher of the 
feathered tribe, the ever-joyous one, always in good 
humour, always ready for a song, one whom no hardship 
can cast down, who is always at home under all circum¬ 
stances, at all times and in all places, and who, even in 
dull times, ever gives evidence of cheerfulness. I know 
no other bird like it,—so contented, so happy, and, with 
it all, so gifted in the way of antics and comicalities. 
The Starling is a fool, but a very clever fool. When it 
