NATURAL HISTORY. 233 



" Half afraid, the rubin first 

 Against the -window beats ; then brisk, alights 

 On the warm hearth ; then hopping o'er the floor, 

 Eyes all the smiling family askance." THOMSON. 



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The nest itself is of a large size, and of a domed figure, with a small aperture on it* 

 side. This aperture, from the nature of the materials of which the structure is 

 composed, yields to the passage of the bird, and then closes so as to be scarcely 

 discernable. Externally, the nest consists of interwoven mosses and lichens, having 

 an internal lining of dried vegetable fibres. Of a similar character as to details, but 

 differing in its site, is the nest of the long-tailed titmouse. 







701. Why is the redbreast a solitary bird? 



Because, not being migratory, but remaining in the same 

 neighbourhoods the whole year round, an instinct teaches it that 

 a sufficient supply of food is better secured by individual than 

 by gregarious search. 



702. The redbreast is very attentive to its mate and rising brood, but in order, it 

 would seem, to enforce the character of separativeness upon its species, lives in a 

 constant state of hostility with its own tribe. The ancient writers were aware 

 of this peculiarity of the redbreast, hence the line 



" A bush contains but one robin." 



703. Why is the robin the latest bird in retiring in the 

 evening ? 



Because it possesses large strong eyes, which adapt themselves 

 to the weakest rays of light. This bird lives partly upon worms, 

 and is, therefore, enabled to catch those that venture forth 

 at dusk. 



704. Why are robins called autumnal songsters, although they 

 sing throughout all the year ? 



Because in the spring and summer, when birds generally 

 warble, the voice of the robin is drowned in the general chorus , 

 but in the autumn, when most birds have ceased to sing, the 

 song of the robin becomes more remarkable. Besides, many of 

 the robins that sing in the autumn are the male redbreasts of tLe 

 same year, which increase the number of warblers.* 



* White's " Sclbourne." 



