ROBIN REDBREAST 



45 



with the greatest favor. In reckless, rollicking bands they 

 feed about in the pine woods, shouting to each other in 

 loud shrill voices. They come into the towns and dissipate 

 dreadfully. A common shade tree growing in Southern 

 lawns and along the streets is the china tree. The juice of 

 its half dried berries in winter often has the effect of mak- 

 ing the consumers tipsy. Tourists are sometimes shocked 

 to see their dear 

 robin friends from 

 the North actually 

 drunk and with 

 soiled feathers and 

 uncouth manners 

 floundering in the 

 mud. While in this 

 condition, dangers 

 swift and terrible 

 lurk for their destruction. 



Once I came upon an interesting flock of robins feeding 

 in the edge of a wood. Several were in a large china 

 tree taking their fill of the dangerous berries. Judging 

 from the din and clamor the intoxicating juice was already 

 taking effect. One bird in particular had "lost his head/' 

 He sat on a stump with ruffled feathers and drooping 

 wings, calling continually. Now and then he whirled with 



"•^..o 



