all nature enjoyed. There
could not have been a finer day to start upon a journey. As birds do
not need a change of dress, there was no trunk to pack, and no
travelling-bag to be laden with comforts. All the preparation
necessary was the usual attention to the toilet, and the instruction
and advice which the exigency required.

The hearts of the young adventurers fluttered with excitement. There
was a mingling of curiosity to visit the great world of which they had
heard such glowing descriptions, and of fears to trust themselves to
the power of their wings to bear them from their pleasant, happy home,
and keep them out of harm's way. They had seen Pussy, as she walked
about in her white and black robe, and though she seemed so gentle,
they had been warned against her as one of their most deadly enemies.
They knew she was often prowling about, with stealthy tread, to prey
upon the unwary. They feared that, instead of flying to the
walnut-tree, as was the plan, they should fall upon the grass, where
she could pounce upon them and destroy them, notwithstanding the
screams and agonizing entreaties of their parents. Puss is a full
believer in the doctrine that "might makes right;" and she is as
unmoved by the cries and appeals of her victims as if they had no
hearts to suffer, and were made merely for her own use.

Many words of encouragement were addressed to them by their parents.
They told them how they themselves had suffered from similar fears;
how difficult it was for them to trust implicitly in the wisdom of
their own father and mother; and how they stood, tremulous and
fearful, on the top of the nest, wishing they had sufficient
resolution to obey, and yet fearing to venture; but how easy and
pleasant they found it to spread their wings in the air, and be borne
up by it, when they fully determined to make the attempt.

Our little birdlings still hesitated, just as I have seen children
hesitate and quiver with terror when for the first time they go into
the water to learn to swim. They know their father tells them the
truth, for he has never deceived them. He has bound a life-preserver
beneath their arms, and has promised to remain near, to catch them, if
they begin to sink; yet they are afraid, and draw back. They lack
faith. When at last they timidly push from the shore, and find
themselves buoyed up on the water, their delight is almost unbounded,
and they are as unwilling to leave as they were reluctant to en