have accordingly commenced building, not more than two feet from the
mansion of the robins. Their house is much smaller--a cottage--but
quite large enough for them. It nestles so lovingly in the shadow of
the vines, that I am sure domestic comfort must be found there.
Discord and contention could not abide in so peaceful a retreat.

The song-sparrows will be pleasant neighbours. They are exceedingly
fond of vocal music, and their clear melodious voices fill the new
settlement with harmony. In that terrible snow-storm which occurred in
the middle of April, I often saw a sparrow alight on a bough of a tree
near the house, and send up to heaven such a strain of full, gushing
melody, as melted my heart with pity and admiration. It reminded me of
a child of God in the midst of trials and afflictions, yet rejoicing
in faith, and trusting continually in the care of a Father in heaven.
Was the cold little sparrow singing itself away, as it was once
believed the swan sung its own death-song? Or may the new neighbour of
the robin be the very one whose voice rang out so clear and loud,
above the howlings of the storm? I trust no rude blast nor chilling
frost will mar the pleasure of our feathered friends, but that they
may prosper in their plans, and never forget seeking a home in the
vine which winds so gracefully around the porch of Mrs. Dudley's
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 tha