CUCKOO. 



191 



In April come he will, 

 In May he sings all day, 

 In June he changes his tune. 

 In July he begins to fly, 

 In August go he must. 



This is a trite little summary of the Cuckoo's yearly 

 life among us. He arrives at the beginning of April 

 and leaves in July, the young birds following in August. 



The peculiar note " cuc-koo" in June is changed to a 

 stammer, " cuc-cuc-cuc-koo ". In connection with 

 this Gilbert White quotes somej curious old lines 

 written in 1587: — 



In April the Koo-coo can sing her song by rote, 



In June of tune she cannot sing a note ; 



At first koo-coo, koo-coo, sing still can she do ; 



At last kooke, kooke, kooke, six kookes to one koo. 



