206 The Robin 
flocks feeding upon the holly, mistletoe, and Virginia 
juniper. There is very little singing at this period, 
but the call notes are frequently heard. 
Robins migrate for the most part in flocks, arriv- 
ing in considerable numbers in the latitude of New 
York about the middle of March. At this time they 
are in full song, although a few days later their music 
is more spontaneous and joyous. We are accus- 
tomed to date the real beginning of spring, not by 
the day of the calendar, but by the arrival of the 
robins. As we hear the old familiar song, we stop 
to listen, and pronounce it a splendid performance. 
You hear a great deal about the damage done by 
the robins in the cherry trees and berry patches. 
Why shouldn’t the robin come in for his share? He 
has labored several months of the year in order 
that the trees might produce, therefore a part belongs 
to him, It has been said by Dr. Coues: “The robin 
is a great eater of berries and soft fruits of every 
description, and these furnish, during the colder 
portion of the year, its chief sustenance. Some of 
the cultivated fruits of the orchard and garden are 
specially attractive, and no doubt the birds demand 
their tithe; but the damage in this way is trifling at 
most, and wholly inconsiderable in comparison with 
the great benefit resulting from the destruction of 
