still relish a
cherry, a grape, or a nice fat worm. I am about to write a short history
of my life, for the instruction of my children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren.

[Illustration]

My parents, after having reared a numerous family, decided to seek a new
home. One lovely day in spring, they came to a pretty village which
pleased them, and alighted on a cherry-tree to consult together. "Here
we will remain," said my father. "Look at the cherry-trees and the
grape-vines. We have found the right place at last."

[Illustration]

After looking carefully about for some time, they chose for their home a
new house with a projecting roof, before which stood three large
cherry-trees in full bloom. My mother, with the help of my father, built
a nest high up under the roof of the house, and lined it with soft
feathers. She laid four eggs, but hatched out only one little sparrow;
and I was that lucky one.

[Illustration]

My parents fed me constantly with tender worms; and it is no wonder that
the feathers began to grow on my naked little body, or that my father
soon thought me able to fly. So one fine day I stood on the edge of the
nest, fluttered my wings, and flew out of my father's house. With many
fears and a beating heart I at last alighted on an acacia-tree. While I
sat there, I saw many large birds walking about, and also a cat, against
whom my mother had already warned me; and, directly over my head, I
heard the scream of a hawk.

[Illustration]

In my fright, I cried out bitterly; but when the cat ran away, and the
hawk flew into the woods near by, I grew calm again. My cry soon brought
my mother to my side; and my father came, bringing a delicious worm to
comfort me.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

Before many days I was able take care of myself. About this time I met
with an adventure. One day I saw several of my comrades fly in through
an open window. Wishing to know what they found, I also flew in, and
soon was as busy as any of them eating the grains of wheat with which
the floor was covered. Suddenly the window was shut, and we were
caught. A laughing boy put his hand over me, took me up, then cut my
wings, and let me hop. He was very kind to me; but I longed for my
liberty. Fortunately my wings soon grew; and one day, when the window
stood open, I flew away, and found my mother again.

[Illustration]

One sunny day in the autumn, my mother and I sat on a gate, eating some
grains of w