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128 nest; here the young ones rested till the afternoon, and then their parents took them out in order to show them the orchard.

"You have not yet seen," said the father, "the whole extent of this place, and I wish to introduce you to our neighbours."

He then led the way to a pear-tree, in which a linnet had built her nest. The old linnets seemed much pleased to see their friends the red-breasts, who with great pride introduced their little family to them.

"My own nestlings are just ready to fly," said the hen linnet, "and I hope will make acquaintance with them; for birds so well instructed, as I make no doubt your offspring are, must be very desirable companions."

The little redbreasts were delighted with the hopes of having some agreeable friends; and the old ones replied that they had themselves received so much pleasure from social friendship that they wished their young ones to cultivate it.

They then flew on to a cherry tree, in which were a pair of chaffinches in great agitation, endeavouring to part one of their own brood and a young sparrow which were engaged in a furious battle; but in vain: neither of the combatants would desist till the