Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 3, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 September 1894 — HE GOT A DRINK. [ARTICLE]

HE GOT A DRINK.

The Robin Was Wise Enough to Just How. That waa a charming object lesson which was noticed -in the yard at the “Hickories,” up Windsor avenue, in Hartford, and it was an instructive lesson in helping oneself as well. Midway between the house and barn is located a large cask as a drinking place for the horses. Usually, of course, this tub is nearly full, but at the time referred to the water lacked quite a little of reaching the top. Along came a robin, spinning over the ground like mad, only stopping for a moment, as is his wont, to listen. Reaching the tub he quickly vaulted to the edge. JLlook of disappointment was visible when he arched his pretty neck so that one eye could look down at the water. It waa too far away and the bird trotted around quite ill at ease. Th® faucet was leaking just a trifle—only a drop at a time—di-op, drop, drop—and the robin’s eye finally caught the crystals and the little fellow almost shouted for joy as he danced -round to that side of the tub. Placing himself directly underneath the outlet, he threw back his head, opened his beak, and thereafter each drop landed in his parched throat. More than a dozen drops disappeared down the narrow channel; then the robin bowed his head just a little, so the cooling drops landed on the top of it and trickled down on either side. Then it flew away to a neighboring tree, as Cohtent and happy g.sif at peace with all the world.