cottage.

The song sparrow is not the only neighbour of the robin. A pair of
cat-birds have a nest in a lilac near the honeysuckle, and one of them
sings hour after hour on the walnut-tree opposite to the window and
often comes near enough to the house to look through the open
casement. These birds have lived for several summers in that same
lilac, and annually make all the repairs necessary to render their
dwelling habitable. They have raised several broods of birdlings, much
to their own enjoyment, and of Mrs. Dudley's bird-loving family.




CHAPTER IV.

HOME DUTIES AND HOME PLEASURES.


Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green
eggs demanded her attention. She has occasionally left, for a few
minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little
exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties
which there require her almost constant presence. She loves the green
fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop
about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks;
but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily
in the bottom of her straw-built nest.

Before she commenced house-keeping, she was very fond of travelling,