COMMON SONG-SPARROW. 487 



even in January, whisper forth their usual strains. As 

 early as the 4th of March, the weather being mild, the 

 Song-Sparrow and the Blue-Bird here jointly arrive, and 

 cheer the yet dreary face of nature with their familiar 

 songs. The latter flits restlessly, through the orchard 

 or neighbouring fields ; the Sparrow, more social, fre- 

 quents the garden, barn-yard, or road-side in quest of 

 support, and from the top of some humble bush, stake, 

 or taller bough, tunes forth his cheering lay, in fre- 

 quent repetitions, for half an hour or more at a time. 

 These notes have some resemblance to parts of the Ca- 

 nary's song, and are almost uninterruptedly and daily 

 delivered, from his coming till the commencement of 

 winter. When he first arrives, while the weather is yet 

 doubtful and unsettled, the strain appears contemplative, 

 and often delivered in a peculiarly low and tender whisper, 

 which, when hearkened to for some time, will be found 

 more than usually melodious, seeming as a sort of reverie, 

 or innate hope of improving seasons, which are recalled 

 with a grateful, calm, and tender delight. At the approach 

 of winter, this vocal thrill, sounding like an Orphean 

 farewell to the scene and season, is still more exquisite, 

 and softened by the sadness which seems to breathe al- 

 most with sentiment, from the decaying and now silent 

 face of nature. Our songster, never remarkable for 

 sprightliness, as the spring advances, delivers his lay 

 louder and more earnestly. He usually begins with a tsh^ 

 tsh' tshe te tshete tshetc, and blends in a good deal of 

 quivering notes. Individuals also excel, and vary their 

 song from time to time with very agreeable effect; and 

 it is only because our familiar vocalist is so constantly 

 heard and seen, that so little value is set upon his 

 agreeable, cheerful, and faithful performance. When 

 not attached to the garden, our Sparrow seems fond of 



