hey are!" said Eddie, with one breath; and, "How big
their mouths are!" with the next. To be sure, they do look very small,
and their mouths are very large for such diminutive bodies, and they
open them so wide that it almost seems as if one of them could jump
down another's throat.

The robin now often comes home, and brings food to his family. It is
gratifying to see how attentive he is to his dear children and their
mother; and I hope I may be able, some day, to tell you that they
repay his attachment, by growing up fine, obedient birds. It will not
be long before their education will be commenced, and I will tell you
whether they are taught at home, or are sent away to school, and what
progress they make in acquiring their accomplishments.

CHAPTER V.

HOME LIFE AND HOME EDUCATION.

The birdlings still live in the honeysuckles.

"How they do grow!" Eddie exclaims, when he looks at them. "I
shouldn't think they could ever have lived in those little eggs."

They are now almost half as large as the old birds. They are well
covered with feathers, and their mottled breasts are very pretty.

"They don't have to dress as we do," said Eddie. "Their clothes grow."
And he thinks it would be a great convenience if his clothes grew too,
for then they would always be large enough for him, and his mother
would not have so much sewing to do.

Sometimes these little birds lie in the bottom of the nest, quietly
sleeping, while their father and mother are both away, getting them
food. At other times they feel wide awake. Then they stretch their
wings, stand upon their feet, and peep over the side of the nest. From
the parlour-window, the children can look up directly at their
secluded home, and can see them amusing themselves and practising
their lessons. The honeysuckle grows almost as fast as the birds, and
the tender, overhanging branches make a roof which keeps off all the
rain.

The old birds are mindful of their children, but do not consider it
necessary to be with them all the time. So other parents endeavour to
implant good principles in the hearts of their children, and then
leave them to their self-control; ever keeping a watchful eye on the
influences which surround them, and using their proper authority, when
it becomes necessary, to restrain from evil, and guide in the way of
virtue. The child that has never learned to depend upon himself, or to
control his own passions, and to do right because it is r