They Have Never Probably Seen A Fire Before, And
Are Rather Puzzled By It.
I heard of one which first lighted on the
embers, which were covered with ashes; finding this unpleasant, he
Hopped on to a burning twig; this was worse, so the third time he
lighted on a red-hot coal; whereat, much disgusted, he took himself off,
I hope escaping with nothing but a blistered toe. They frequently come
into my hut. I watched one hop in a few mornings ago, when the
breakfast things were set. First he tried the bread - that was good;
then he tried the sugar - that was good also; then he tried the salt,
which he instantly rejected; and, lastly, he tried a cup of hot tea, on
which he flew away. I have seen them light on a candle (not a lighted
one) and peck the tallow. I fear, however, that these tame ones are too
often killed by the cats. The tomtit is like its English namesake in
shape, but smaller, and with a glossy black head and bright yellow
breast.
The wren is a beautiful little bird, much smaller than the English one,
and with green about its plumage.
The tui or parson-bird is a starling, and has a small tuft of white
cravat-like feathers growing from his throat. True to his starling
nature, he has a delicious voice.
We have a thrush, but it is rather rare. It is just like the English,
save that it has some red feathers in its tail.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 136 of 167
Words from 36336 to 36592
of 45285
