[Illustration: THE SWALLOW AND OTHER BIRDS.]
A farmer was sowing his field with flax. The Swallow observed it, and
desired the other Birds to assist her in picking the seed up, and in
destroying it; telling them, that flax was that pernicious material of
which the thread was composed which made the fowler's nets, and by that
means contributed to the ruin of so many innocent birds. But the poor
Swallow not having the good fortune to be regarded, the flax sprung up,
and appeared above the ground. She then put them in mind once more of
their impending danger, and wished them to pluck it up in the bud,
before it went any further. They still neglected her warnings; and the
flax grew up into the high stalk. She yet again desired them to attack
it, for that it was not yet too late. But all that she could get was to
be ridiculed and despised for a silly pretending prophet. The Swallow
finding all her remonstrances availed nothing, was resolved to leave the
society of such unthinking, careless creatures, before it was too late.
So quitting the woods, she repaired to the houses, and forsaking the
conversation of the Birds, has ever since made her abode among the
dwellings of men.