I. 



THE BIRD OF THE MORNING. 



If every bird has his vocation, as a poetical 

 French writer suggests, that of the American 

 robin must be to inspire cheerfulness and con- 

 tentment in men. His joyous " Cheer up ! 

 Cheer up ! Cheery ! Be cheery ! Be cheery ! " 

 poured out in the early morning from the top 

 branch of the highest tree in the neighborhood, 

 is one of the most stimulating sounds of spring. 

 He must be unfeehng indeed who can help de- 

 serting his bed and peering through blinds till 

 he discovers the charming philosopher, with 

 head erect and breast glowing in the dawning 

 light, forgetting the cares of life in the ecstasy 

 of song. 



Besides admonishing others to cheerfulness, 

 the robin sets the example. Not only is his 

 cheering voice the first in the morning and the 

 last at night, — of the day birds, — but no 

 rain is wet enough to dampen his spirits. In a 

 drizzly, uncomfortable day, when all other birc s 



