Robin not non-frugivorous. 517 



Mr. Swainson in the extract (p. %k\.)from his " Discourse, 99 is 

 Frugivorous in a degree. — With regard to the difference of 

 opinion as to the thievish propensities of the robin redbreast 

 in gardens, which has been discussed, in p. 241., I think 

 that J. D. is wrong in saying that this species does not eat 

 currants. In summer the gardens swarm with this species, 

 which comes in for a pretty plentiful share of the fruit. The 

 redbreasts hop two or three times under a bush, dart at the 

 fruit, and swallow it in an instant. Their depredations, how- 

 ever, sink into insignificance when compared with several 

 species of fauvet (Picedula), particularly the black-capped spe- 

 cies (F. atricapilla). Swainson is, however, wrong when he 

 says that no writer on our native birds has been aware of these 

 facts ; for Gilbert White expressly says, in his Natural History 

 ofSelborne, — (i Notwithstanding the prejudices in favour of 

 redbreasts, they do much mischief in gardens to the summer 

 fruits." (p. 123.) And to this passage Herbert subjoins the 

 following note : — "I have seen a robin feed its young, which 

 were reared in a conservatory, entirely upon red currants. It 

 used to alight on the ledge of the window, and always brought 

 one red currant in its bill. I do not think they eat any other 

 fruit ; but they are troublesome in the hothouse. They de- 

 voured, last year, every seed of the Hsemanthus multiflorus 

 and Griffinia hyacinthina just as they were ripening; and it is 

 very difficult to save the berries of any Daphne from them." 

 And Rennie adds, - — "A redbreast, which I had in a cage, 

 greedily devoured the berries of Solanum Dulcamara, but 

 would not touch those of privet." The evidence given above 

 (if there was no other) would, I think, not only prove that 

 redbreasts will eat currants, but that they are even partial to 

 them. But, notwithstanding this, I think it would not only 

 be unjust, but also impolitic, to destroy them. Mudie's observ- 

 ation is quite correct, that " the redbreast is not only a very 

 interesting bird, but it is also an exceedingly useful one about 

 gardens, orchards, and shrubberies, and plantations near 

 houses generally." (Feathered Tribes, i. 301.) Coalhoods 

 (Pyrrhula Temminck) commit as much damage as any small 

 birds with which I am acquainted ; but the gardener who 

 should attempt to exterminate these little birds would soon 

 find himself in the same plight as the farmers who destroy 

 the rooks. It would indeed be selfish to grudge the feathered 

 race a little grain and fruits, after they have cleared our fields 

 and gardens of insects, and cheered us with their lively habits 

 and melodious songs. — S. D. W. Near Derby, May. 5. 1835. 

 Smith has remarked of the two species of Daphne, D. 

 Mezereum and D. Laureola, that M every part is very acrid, 

 producing a burning heat in the mouth and throat." (E?ig. 



