Page:Story of the robins.djvu/47

 Rh have got a nest? I will watch to-morrow which way they fly, for I should like to see the little ones."

"And what will you do, should you find them out?" said his mamma; "not take the nest, I hope?"

"Why," replied Frederick, "I should like to bring it home, mamma, and put it in a tree near the house; and then I would scatter crumbs for the old ones to feed them with."

"Your design is a kind one," said Mrs. Benson, "but you would greatly distress your little favourites. Many birds, through fear, forsake their nests when they are removed; therefore I desire you to let them alone if you should chance to find them." Harriet then remarked that she thought it very cruel to take birds' nests. "Ah, my dear," said Mrs. Benson, "those who commit such barbarous actions are quite insensible to the distresses they occasion. It is very true that we ought not to indulge so great a degree of pity and tenderness for animals as for those who are more properly our fellow-creatures—I mean men, women, and children; but as every living creature can feel, we should have a constant regard to those feelings, and strive to give happiness rather than inflict misery. But go, my dear, and take your walk." Mrs. Benson then left them, to attend her