"The house-martin, my dears, usually appears a few days later than the swallow. For some time after their arrival, they play and sport about, without any preparation for constructing their nests, which they do not attempt to build till about the middle of May. At this season, if the weather be fine, they begin seriously to think of providing a mansion for their little family. This bird usually builds against a perpendicular wall, without any projection to support the fabric; it is, therefore, very necessary that the first foundation should be firmly fixed. For this purpose, the prudent little architect is careful not to advance in her work too rapidly. By building only in the morning, and dedicating the remainder of the day to food and amusement, she gives it sufficient time to dry and harden, seldom building more than half an inch in a day." _Ferdinand_. Mamma, I have seen workmen, when they build mud walls, raise but a little at a time, and then leave off: very likely it was their observation of the martin's plan, which first taught them this prudent caution. _Mrs. B._ Very probably, my dear. We might learn many a useful lesson from the sagacity and careful economy of animals, were we not above attending to such humble instructors. _Ferdinand_. Yes, mamma; the shepherd, in one of Gay's Fables, which I learned the other day, gained almost all his wisdom from his observation of animals. You know, he says to the philosopher:---- "The cheerful labours of the bee, Awake my soul to industry, Who can observe the careful ant, And not provide for future want? My dog, (the trustiest of his kind,) With gratitude inflames my mind; I mark his true, his faithful way, And in my service, copy Tray--In constancy and nuptial love, I learn my duty from the dove. The hen, who from the chilly air, With pious wing protects her care, And every fowl that flies at large, instruct me in a parent's charge. Thus every object in creation; Can furnish hints to contemplation; And from the most minute and mean, A virtuous mind can morals glean." _Mrs. B._ Very true, my dear: and I am pleased to find you have materials at hand to support your opinion. _Ferdinand_. But I have interrupted you, mamma, in your account. Pray go on, for I am very much interested in it, and want to know in how many days the careful little laborers complete their house. _Mrs. B._ In about ten or twelve days the mansion is finished; strong, compact, warm, and perfectly fitted for all the purposes for which it was intended; but very often, after this industrious little bird has finished the shell of its nest, the house-sparrow seizes it as its own, turning out the rightful master, and lining it after its own manner.