And we found Rap in the orchard and he only has half a book, and here's a White-throated Sparrow, and we want to know how it's made and why birds can fly and why--" Here the Doctor laughingly stopped them and turned to Olive for a clearer account of what had taken place in the orchard, while Rap stood gazing about the room as if he thought that heaven had suddenly opened to him.
"Now, children," said the Doctor, as soon as the youngsters had stopped chattering, "I will first _tell_ you some stories about the birds; then if you like them I will make them into a little book that other girls and boys may read." And as the children began to dance about, he continued: "But before I tell you the names and habits of some of our home birds, you must learn a few things that are true of all birds--what they are; where they belong among animals; how they are made; how they do good and why we should protect them; and the wonderful journeys some of them take.

To-morrow I will begin by answering Dodo's questions whether a bird is an animal, and why it has feathers." "I think a bird is something like a boat," said Rap eagerly.

"When it flies its wings are like sails in the air, and when it swims its feet row under the water, and the tail balances behind like a rudder and the head sticks out in front like the bowsprit." "You are right, my boy," said the Doctor, looking at him attentively; "and would you also like to know how this beautiful boat is made?
If a ship-builder could plan a vessel that would go through wind and water as birds do, he would be the wisest man in the world.

But you see, Rap, a man did _not_ plan any bird.
"I will go down and ask your mother to let you come and hear the stories with the other children--how would you like that, Rap ?" "Will you?
Will you really let me come?
Oh, I am so glad! I know mother'll let me any day but Monday and Thursday, because I have to watch clothes on those days." "Wash clothes ?" said Dodo in surprise.
"No, watch them," replied Rap, laughing.

"Those two days the miller lets mother spread her things to whiten in his big meadow, and I have to watch and see that they are not stolen or don't blow away." "Isn't it very stupid to sit there so long ?" "Oh, no, it's lovely; for there are lots of birds and things about." "To-morrow will be Wednesday," said the Doctor.