The Robin 213 
boy egg-collector into a protector of birds; and strange 
as it may seem, his first real interest came with the 
keeping of notes. 
During the following winter the old nest was blown 
from the lilac bush. When March came, we kept a 
careful watch for the robins, and by the fifteenth 
several had been seen. On March twentieth one of 
our old friends appeared. It was the female, unmis- 
takable because of her peculiar markings. She seemed 
as tame as when she left on her fall migration. For 
a week she remained about the lawn and old orchard, 
and then disappeared for a few days, but on April 
sixth returned with her mate and began a nest in a 
bush close by the house. Only one brood was reared 
this season. .The following spring she returned and 
reared two broods. With her fall migration our 
acquaintance ended. The next spring we waited and 
watched, even placing food upon the board in the 
lilac bush, but our old friends did not appear. 
WHY THE ROBIN’S BREAST IS RED. 
According to a certain legend, a bird played a part 
in the crucifixion. It was a modest little bird with 
gray plumage, which approached the cross timidly, 
uttering cries of grief. With its wings it tried to wipe 
away the blinding sweat and blood from the face of 
