Tlie Birds' Calendar 



of the illustrious Mark lapley, for he *' comes 

 out strong" under the most adverse circum- 

 stances, a trait of which unfortunately he enjoys 

 almost the exclusive monopoly among his fel- 

 lo\\-3. It is delightful to find a mellow side to 

 that notable and cast-iron moralist, Emerson, 

 and such quick response to the charm of this 

 dainty creature, interpreting his bUthesome mes- 

 sage 



"As if it said, ' Good day, good sir ! 

 Fine afternoon, old passenger ! 

 Happy to meet you in these places, 

 Where January- brings few faces ! ' " 



His joUity is absolutely contagious. The man 

 that can hsten to his rollicking outburst and 

 not smile in sympathy, mark my words, that 

 man is a villain. 



Even for those who are unacquainted with 

 this light - hearted guest of winter it seems 

 hardly necessary to append a description, for its 

 song is its unfaiHng badge; but for complete- 

 ness I will add that it is about five inches long, 

 ashy above, white beneath (in winter tinted 

 with rusty or buff), — crown, nape, and throat 

 clear black. 



By the middle of the month the tide of mi- 

 gration sets in a little more strongly. As the 

 86 



