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With us it is a very common species ; here, as in many other por- 

 tions of the middle districts, it may be said to be a constant resident, 

 though far more numerous in the early part of spring and autumn 

 than in the colder and summer months. Early in April it begins to 

 pair, and at that period the loud notes of the male are heard all 

 over the Island. 



The nest of the Robin is found in the woods, but more frequently 

 in the orchard, on the bough of an apple tree ; it is formed of hay 

 and straw, cemented with mud, the interior lined with fine dry 

 grass. The eggs, usually four in number, are plain bluish-green. 

 The young are frequently taken at a very early age, and reared in 

 cages. It endures confinement well, and even in this situation 

 sings with a great deal of spirit, and is capable of being taught to 

 whistle simple tunes. In the spring it subsists chiefly on worms 

 and various insects ; as the season advances, it acquires a fondness 

 for the early fruits ; at the approach of winter it feeds on the frost 

 grapes, " pokeberries," {Phytolacca decandra,) cedar berries, and 

 the fruit of the Vihurnum prunifoUum, a black berry which grows 

 in clusters on bushy tiees from ten to fifteen feet high, situated on 

 the sides of hills, swamps, and along the fences. In the depth of 

 winter its chief resort is the cedars, changing its location as the 

 berries are consumed. During the coldest weather it for a short 

 time disappears, especially in the absence of its favorite fare. 



Like the rest of this Family, as is also the case with most of our 

 Sparrows, the Robin never advances with a regular succession of 

 steps, its progression on the ground being performed in a hopping 

 or jumping manner. With most persons it is a great favorite, and 

 is suffered to build its nest and rear its brood without molestation. 

 In autumn this species assembles in large flocks, and is shot with- 

 out mercy by gunners from the neighboring towns and villages, as 

 a matter of amusement. Such amusement, however, is only be- 

 coming to juvenile sportsmen. 



