BIRDS OF THE GARDEN AND ORCHARD. 65 



the northern parts of this continent, wherever there are 

 human settlements, the Robins are numerous and familiar. 

 There is not an orchard in New England, or in the Brit- 

 ish Provinces, that is not enlivened by several of these 

 musicians. When we consider the millions thus distrib- 

 uted over this broad country, we can imagine the sublim- 

 ity of that chorus which from the middle of April until 

 the last of July daily ascends to heaven from the voices 

 of these birds, not one male of which is silent from the 

 earliest dawn until sunrise. 



The Eobin, when reared in confinement, is one of the 

 most affectionate and interesting of birds. A neighbor 

 and relative of mine kept one twenty years. He would 

 leave his cage frequently, hop about the house and gar- 

 den and return. He not only repeated his original 

 notes, but several strains of artificial music. Though not 

 prone to imitation, the Robin may be taught to imitate 

 the notes of other birds. I heard a tamed Robin in Ten- 

 nessee whistle " Over the Water to Charlie," without miss- 

 ing a note. Indeed, this bird is so tractable in his dispo- 

 sition and so intelligent, that I believe he might be taught 

 to sing any simple melody. 



But why should we set any value on his power of 

 learning artificial music ? Even if he should perform like 

 a flautist, it would not enhance his value as a minstrel of 

 the grove. We are concerned with the singing-birds only 

 as they are in a state of nature and in their native fields 

 and woods. It is the simplicity of their songs that con- 

 stitutes their principal charm ; and if the different war- 

 blers were so changed in their nature as to relinquish 

 their wild notes and sing only tunes, we should listen to 

 them with as much indifference as to the whistling of 

 boys on the road. 



5 



