ANOTHER BIRD-STORY.
[To TEl &mos OP TEl " BrzoTATos.'
SIR,—A few years ago a lady living in the Via Volturno, in Rom-, had some pet canaries in cages, which she every day
hung out on a balcony in front of her kitchen-window. She observed a sparrow frequently come and perch on one of the cages, and one evening when she brought in her birds she unawares brought in also the little wild visitor perched on its favourite cage. It showed no fear, and pecked the crumbs she offered it. Evening after evening the same bird con- tinned to come in with its imprisoned friend. An empty cage with food was left near, and in this it made its abode at night, the door always being left open. Spring came, and the sparrow flew away; then the summer passed, and with the shortening days she returned, boldly entering the kitchen, surrounded by a brood of four or five little sparrows. She had come, it seemed, to greet her old friend, and introduce her treasures to her. They all confidingly ate the crumbs scattered for them on the kitchen-floor. Soon winter came, and with it the sparrow again as an established lodger "with board." Again the soft breeze of a southern spring whispered of new nests and broods, and the sparrow flew away; but this time, alas ! to return no more.—I am, Sir, do., "DROILKEN."
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