Year: 1872

Our robin was forlorn little creature that
had been lost from the nest and was in danger
of being deyoured by cats, when it was
brought in by two little girls who were anx-
ious to save its life. Our good " house
mother whose heart is full Of tender com.
passion for all Gods creatures, at once took
it in charge, and it soon learned to open its
mouth wide on the approach Of the hand that
brought it a dainty morsel. In due time it
learned to feed itself; and on its fare Of
chopped egg and potato varied with an oc-
casional insect, or a few shreds Of lean, fresh
beef it grew to be a plump, lively robin
We provided q large cage for it, giving it,
however, occasionally the freedom Of the
room. 1t was very playful and inquisitiye,
but never failed to make a distinction in its
regard between its foster mother and the
other members Of the family On her shoul-
der it would perch out of her hand it pre-
ferred to be fed, and to her call it promptly
responded by an answering note.


When, with returning spring, our robins
cousins again made their appearance, we fan
cied that it looked with wistful eyes through
the bars Of its cage at its kindred pursuing
their business or pleasure on the lawn or
among the trees The propriety of letting
the bird 90 free was discussed. There was
no immediate danger to be apprehended from
cats, for these destroyers had been taken
away " buggy-riding,r many miles into the
country, and left at farms where they could
ind plenty of rats and mice to catch. Why
should not robin then, have full liberty
So the cage was set on n hower-stand, under
the trees, close by the front doorstep. A
supply of food for future emergency was
placed within the cage, and the door left
open. Robins first flight was into the house,
around all the old familiar places, extending


it even to tour OF observation up stairs.
Soon the way in or out through the door or
windows was learned. Nor was the cage for
gotten and despised. There food and water
were always found, and the accustomed perch
afforded a welcome place Of repose for the
night. An ample dish of water, set near by,
furnished convenient bath, which was FIRE.
quently enjoyed, sometimes twice day.


For many weeks our Robin slept in the
cage every night. Every evening the cage was
hung up in the hall and set outside in the
morning. But Robins visits to the neigh.
boring beech grove we're becoming more fre-
quent and the periods Of absence longer. Ii
also brought companion, shy fellow, with
darker wings and brighter red breast
Soon it became evident that new friendship,
were supplanting the old. Robins visits still
continued, but as soon as its hasty meals wer,
over, important business called it back to the
beech trees. The first night Robin slept oul
there was some apprehension for its fate, but
it was thought pretty certain that no harm
had beialen it, for the children had seen il
among the flower beds after the sun had set
All anxiety was dispelled by its reappearancc
bright and early next morning.


One morning the news flew through thu
house that Robin had come to the door viii
four little Robins. The whole family gather
! ed to see, and there, sure enough, was oul
Identical Robin, the happy and busy mother
of quite a family, which she had brought tC
show her friends. Since then we have often
seen her. But fanily engagements and cares
have wrought change in her. We some-
times say, There is our Robin" but we
cannot certainly identify her among the mul-
titudc of robins that have spent safe and
happy season in our trees and among our
strawberry beds. They have eaten some Of our
berries, but they have literally paid for them.
And our rule is to plant enough for ourselves
and the birds. This year we had more than
we could consume even after the birds had
their fill. One thing is certain Mrs. Robin
with all her children and relatives, and all
the other birds, shall be welcome next year
if we live to greet them, and none shal
make them afraid.