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174 thrush poured forth their strong melodious notes; on another a number of linnets joined their sweet voices; exalted in the air a skylark modulated his delightful pipe, whilst a brother of the wood, seated on a cool refreshing turf, made the grove re-echo with his melody; to these the nightingale joined his enchanting lay: in short, not a note was wanting to complete the harmony.

The little redbreasts were so exceedingly charmed, that for a while they continued listening with silent rapture. At length Dicky exclaimed, "How happy should I be to join the cheerful band, and live for ever in this charming place!" "It is," replied his mother, "a very pleasant situation, to be sure; but could you be sensible of the superior advantages which, as a redbreast, you may enjoy by taking up your abode in the orchard, you would never wish to change it. For my own part, I find myself so happy in that calm retreat, that nothing but necessity shall ever drive me from it." Pecksy declared that though she was much delighted with the novelty of the scene, and charmed with the music, she now felt an ardent desire to return home; but Flapsy wished to see a little more first. "Well," said the father, "your desire shall be gratified; let us take a circuit in this