LESSON XVI.

THE BLACKBIRD AND THE CAT.

1. The English blackbird is about the size of our robin. It is a cousin to the thrush, and sings a sweet little song.

2. It builds its nest in trees and hedges near houses, and all day long you can hear its song as it goes about busy in taking care of its family.

3. One spring, a couple of blackbirds built their nest on a tree that stood by the garden fence, near a cottage. All went well with them until the eggs were hatched, and four little birds filled the nest.

4. But the old cat had been on the watch, and had found out where the nest was. One morning, while the mother bird was out after worms, the cat thought it a good time to make her breakfast on young birds. So she climbed to the top of the fence, and crept along on its narrow edge until she came almost in reach of the nest.

5. But Mr. Blackbird, who had been watching her for some time, with a loud cry of rage now made a dash at her and hit her square in the face.

6. The cat tried to strike him with her claw; but she had to hold on to the fence to keep from falling, and so could not spring upon him.

7. After hitting her several times, the bird lit upon her back, and struck her with his wings, and pecked her with all his might.

8. The cat tried to turn and get at him, but lost her hold and rolled off the fence. But the bird kept flying at her until she ran away. Then he perched on a rail and sang a joyous song.

9. The next day the cat came creeping along again toward the nest; but the blackbird was ready for her, and gave her another good drubbing until she again fell off the fence and ran away.

10. Afterward, the bird took to hunting the cat every time she came about, until he finally drove her entirely out of the garden.