16 



WOOD NOTES WILD. 



a burlesque repetition. The effect is humorous ; for he 

 seems to be shyly ridiculing his performance as he 

 goes along, for his own private enjoyment. This after- 

 effort, not intended for the public, is usually pitched at 

 the top of his voice, so high that his voice often breaks, 

 when the result is truly ludicrous. I am convinced that 

 many times when we think the robin is resting between 

 strains, he is busying himself in the manner described. 

 His song on this occasion ran, — 



2. Another song at daybreak. 



May 6, at 4 P. m., there were signs of rain, and red- 

 breast seemed to be unusually inspired. He sang with 

 great spirit, — 



3. 



While at my work, May 8, I heard him introducing 



