The first circumstance that alarmed me was a part of my nest scattered on the ground just at the entrance of my habitation; I then perceived a large opening in the wall, where before there was only room for myself to pass. I stopped with a beating heart, in hopes of hearing the chirpings of my beloved family, but all was silent. I then resolved to enter: but what was my consternation when I found that the nest which my dear mate and I had with so much labour built, and the dear little ones who were the joy of our lives, were stolen away! nay, I did not know but the tender mother also was taken. I rushed out of the place distracted with apprehensions for the miseries they might endure, and lamenting my weakness, which rendered me incapable of rescuing them. I was ready to tear off my own feathers with vexation; but recollecting that my dear mate might in all probability have escaped, I resolved to go in search of her.
"As I was flying along I saw three boys, whose appearance was far from disagreeable; one of them held in his hand my nest of young ones, which he eyed with cruel delight, while his companions seemed to share his joy. The dear little creatures, insensible of their fate (for they were newly hatched), opened their mouths, expecting to be fed by me or their
