Arthur. No, grandmamma: so for the future I will always mind what my papa and mamma say to me; and I will try never to do any thing that I think they won’t like.
Grandmamma. That is a very good resolution, and I hope you will keep to it.—— Well, Charles, what do you say to the pigeons? They are pretty birds, are they not?
Charles. Indeed, ma’am, they are. I was looking at them falling head over heels, when up in the air.
Grandmamma. Those are called tumblers, that fly in that way. There are many kinds of pigeons. The white ones out there, with tails that stand up somewhat like hens’, are called fan-tails.
Arthur. What must we feed the pigeons with?
Grandmamma. You may give them a few tares, if you like; but here we have no occasion to supply them with much food, for they come to the barn doors, and pick up the corn that is scattered about.
Charles. Are all those one brood, that sit together on the top of that cart-house?
Grandmamma. No. Pigeons never lay more than two eggs at one time; and the pair that are hatched commonly continue mates to one another all their lives.
Charles. Now let us look at the ducks and geese, if you please. The pond is nearly covered with them, I see.