ing one side
and the other, plainly satisfying himself of this fact, he went to the
table with it. I never before saw a bird who did not have to learn the
treacherous nature of cage roofs by experience. He appeared to work
things out in his mind,--to reason, in truth. One cold morning in
spring, when the furnace fire was out, a large, brilliant lamp was put
by his cage to take off the chill, for he felt changes keenly. He seemed
to understand it at once, and though, no doubt, it was his first
experience of warmth from a light, he drew as near it as possible, and
remained there perfectly quiet until the sun warmed the room and it was
removed. Fear, as I said, he knew not, coming freely upon the desk, or
even upon my lap, after apple or bread, or anything he fancied.

It was plain to see that this bird's first week with us was one of quiet
study and observation. Not a movement of bird or man escaped his notice.
He wished to understand, to take measure of his neighbors, to be master
of the situation. This was manifested not only by his thoughtful manner
and his wise and knowing looks, but by his subsequent conduct. During
this period, also, he submitted to impositions from all the birds, even
the smallest, without resentment. The wood-thrush easily drove him away
from the apple; the little goldfinch chased him from his perch. He
appeared to be meekness itself; but he was biding his time, he was
making up his mind.

The first time the mocking-bird's door was opened he was not in the
least surprised; no doubt, seeing others at liberty, he had expected it.
At any rate, whatever his emotions, he instantly ran out on the perch
placed in his doorway and surveyed his new world from this position. He
was in no panic, not even in haste. When fully ready, he began his tour
of inspection. First, to see if he really could reach the trees without,
through those large, clear openings, he tried the windows, each of the
three, but gently, not bouncing against them so violently as to fall to
the floor, as more impetuous or less intelligent birds invariably do.
Having proved each to be impassable, he was satisfied, and never tried
again. Next, the ceiling interested him, and he flew all around the
room, touching it gently everywhere, to assure himself of its nature.
Convinced thus in a short time that his bounds were only widened, not
removed, he went on to investigate closely what he had looked at from a
distance; every bird-cage, inside