The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1877-05-25
THE MARTIN FAMILY.
Bl B. l.. SIIlLIABER.


Three years ago improved small
space on my grounds by the erection of
n cottage, designed for a peculiar class
of tenants, and waited for them TO come
and take possession. 1t was n pretty
little one-story tenement house, with
three apartments on the first floor and
doors opening from each apartment
upon verandah, covered by a project
ing roofand supported by graceful turn
ed pillars. 1t was and now is very
neat habitation, painted yellow, with
white trimmings, and little pima
cles above the roof, to give it an attrac-
tive appearance. / felt sure that it
would be in demand; so / put up no
notice intimating that it was "To Let"
though there were several houses in the
vicinity which had their windows cur
tained by such placards.
| may as well say that my house was
erected on the top of long pole, and
the tenants that was expecting were
the early house-martins, which by their
social habits and cheerful dispositions
tend to add to the pleasure of home.
My chamber window overlooked the
cottage, which did not think would be
objected to by the occupants, though
one of my neighbors, in ridiculous pet,
built up fence as high az his house be-
twixt his bounds and those of another,
because windows stared out of the lat.
ter upon his own premises.
watched eagerly for my coming ten
ants, and about the middle of April l
was rewarded by seeing Mr.. Martin,
vita purplish-black coat and white
vest. inspecting the premises. lie first
stood upon the verandah, and peeped
into the different apartments then he
walked in, to inspect the accommoda-
tions. After little time, he came out
and perched himself on one of the pima
cles, as if he were contemplating the
neighborhood. Then he sat on the
limb of peach tree in the garden, and
scanned the outside of the house, SEEM
Ing to like ii very much, rs he twittered
his approval to himself, and flew away,
leaving me very certain that my house
was taken.
Next day my visitor was attended by
another whom supposed TO be Mrs.
Martin-though, if such was the case,
she was clothed in the same dress as her
husband-and they examined the house
very thoroughly. After conference
on the verandah, wherein / dare say a
good deal was said about housekeeping
matters, which regretted that could
not understand, they few away; but
returned almost Immediately and took
possession of one of the apartments. |
had purposely left some straw in each,
which thought the tenants might en-
ploy in some way; and this seemed to
suit them exactly, for could see them
placing 1t just where II was needed, and
they moved in and out, the busiest little
people that ever began housekeeping
But they were very economical and be-
gan quiet moderately, for they had no
carpet beyond the straw upon their
floor; and as for the furniture which
they brought, you could have put it in
you pocket. They were truly rigid
economists, and began their domestic
life with nothing more than they abso-
lutely needed. No danger could there
be of having bills thrust in upon them
which they were unable to pay; and
they seemed just as contented and hap
py with the little they had as do MANY
of our kind with their fine furniture,
pictures, and luxurious outfits generally.
Indeed, they did not seem to think even
of their rent; but took possession as if
II were well understood by them that
they were privileged tenants.
They seemed very happy, twittering
i know they did-in their tongue
their little condolences and encourage
ments and hopes, and helping each 9th
er to make their home respectable and
comfortable. And Mr.. Martin was Il
noble fellow. He took hold bravely,
and brought sticks and things needed
for the nest, and was flying about as
LIsy as a bee all the time. | may say
that have seen him thus engaged when
Mrs. M. sat upon the verandah straight
ening out her feathers and otherwise
primping herself; but not many times,
for she, too, was an industrious worker.
After getting settled, they would start
of In the morning with great chatter
ing, and make but short visits to their
home during the day. Thoy were away
doubtless, getting living, for they had
appetites which must be satisfied,
though they needed but little and in-
dulged In no extravagances. suspect
that he never had any money In hi-
pocket 10 buy anything with, and all he
required he had to work for. The,
lived on lively game, and flies and hug
and such things were not safe when The
Martins were about. AS for clothes,
am sure that for three or four months
during which they occupied my house
they never had any new garments. But
the old ones looked exceedingly well,
though they were ofa fashion very, very
ancient.
AT last they became more domestic in
their habits. and were seen more abou.
The house, seeming as If they were
Matching up some new plot or some
hing; and .ure enough, In little
while We heard great chatiering be-
tween the two, rs II some remarkable
event had happened. Then We heard
little chirpings In the house, aud we
knew some baby Martins had come
along for the care of my tenants. How
important they now seemed, as They flew
away 10 procure food for their little
ones; and how The little ones chirped
and twittered when they returned,
bringing them something as nice TO
them aud far better TO them than cream
cakpq Or randy Hv and hV MO coxv txxto