The Birds' Calendar 



of the illustrious Mark Tapley, for he " comes 

 out strong ' ' under the most adverse circum- 

 stances, a trait of which unfortunately he enjoys 

 almost the exclusive monopoly among his fel- 

 lows. It is delightful to find a mellow side to 

 that notable and cast-iron moralist, Emerson, 

 and such quick response to the charm of this 

 dainty creature, interpreting his blithesome mes- 

 sage 



" As if it said, ' Good day, good sir ! 

 Fine afternoon, old passenger ! 

 Happy to meet you in these places, 

 Where January brings few faces ! ' " 



His jollity is absolutely contagious. The man 

 that can listen to his rollicking outburst and 

 not smile in sympathy, mark my words, that 

 man is a villain. 



Even for those who are unacquainted with 

 this light-hearted guest of winter it seems 

 hardly necessary to append a description, for its 

 song is its unfailing badge ; but for complete- 

 ness I will add that it is about five inches long, 

 ashy above, white beneath (in winter tinted 

 with rusty or buff), crown, nape, and throat 

 clear black. 



By the middle of the month the tide of mi- 

 gration sets in a little more strongly. As the 

 86 



