The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1886-06-05
our ROBIN.
How We Came by Him, and the Manner
in which We Lost Him.

How We Came by Him, and the Manner
in which We Lost Him.
"Tootie" was our young robin. He
was blown from neighboring tree in
to our yard, late in the autumn, and
found in forlorn condition by the
children, who brought the wretched
little bird into the house to be cared
for until it should be able to fly.
The family cat was far from being
friendly, and the basket containing the
robin was hidden round in various cor
ners, until finally, vacant room up
stairs was devoted to its especial use.
Toote was carefully fed with an
abundant supply of bread crumbs dip
ped in water, flies and dainty worms,
until he grew into respectable looking
bird. 1t was surprising what an appe-
tite he had. His bill seemed always
o. en- and eager, for the outdoor food,
particularly. The children spent a
great deal of time in digging up the
around to supply his wants.
Tootie's intelligence increased with
lis good looks, and by the time his
feathers were well grown he astonished
the family by exhibitions of his knowl-
edge and his amusing ways. He learned
very soon that the door of his room
opened into the children'S chamber,
and early in the morning he would be-
gin to sing as loud as he possibly could,
and fly impatiently against the door
until it was opened for him. Then he
would begin his loud screaming and
fly across the room to their bed, where
he would hop on the children's heads
and be satisfied to stay awhile in their
hands, butsoon made known his desire
to be taken downstairs to breakfast,
When one of the boys was ready to
go. Tootie would perch on his shoulder
and ride down to the dining-room,
with perfect satisfaction. When there,
he did not hesitate to fly on the table
and help himself to any bit which hap
pened 10 please his taste; and as it was
useless to try to teach him good man
ners, he was not permitted to remain
long. The children's papa quite spoiled
him, however, giving him cream out
of silver teaspoon. He drank it very
gracefully, and evidently considered
tn the proper way to take cream.
He liked to hop around down stairs
during the day; but il allowed to stay
in Il lower room toward evening, he
became uneasy and wanted to be taken
to his own apartment. If carried into
the hall, he would fly upstairs and hop
around discontentedly, uttering his
shrill "cheep, cheep," until permitted
to enter the right door He had a perch
in his room which suited him, and he
never wanted it changed.
After awhile, Tootie was taken out
in the yard every day, and allowed to
fly up in the trees and on the roofs OF
the nearest houses. He enjoyed thai
greatly; but as soon as he heard one
of MS calling "Too-tie" he would
turn his little head on one side anC
then on the other in a coquettiSh way
and, finally, after little more coax
ing, he would begin his shrill cry O.
Joy. and come fluttering down RICH
into our hands, and be carried, con
tentedly, into the house. We neve
could think of putting TOotie into
cage; and it became quite task to car,
for him, keep him out of danger. ant
yet allow him some desirable freedom
We loved Tootie; but we didn't know
what to do with him. 1t was too lat
in the season to turn him out alone, t,
care for himself; and all the robin
seemed to have left the vicinity.
One morning Tootie was taken on
20 enjoy his daily exercise, and he fey
far up in the tree-tops and upon tn
roofs, singing and merry in the autumn
sunshine. The children lost sight @
him for awhile, and when they bega
to look for him he was not to be found
They noticed, however, a large foe
of robins flying around and pausing i
the trees on the sidewalks, apparent
chatting gayly of their fight to a MOI
Southern home. TOotie had disaI
peared, and then every one began to !
very sorry. The whole family wei
out in the dOor-yard, and made then
selves ridiculous, ceiling in high pitche
and what they intended to be music
and enticing tones:
"Too-tie! Too-tier'
And the children's papa went alor
T! the sidewalks downtown, stoppir
under every tree where be fancied