THE REDBREAST. 105 



the arbour ; the light-brown grass was very conspicuous 

 against the dark heather. One in a beech-tree on the 

 lawn was formed of new-mown grass from a heap below 

 the branch on which it was placed." 



THE REDBREAST. 



The REDBREAST (Erytheca rubicola) ; family, Sylviidce. 

 This lively, familiar, but very pugnacious bird is generally 

 distributed through the British Isles, and is a universal 

 favourite with all classes. Its sprightly air, full, dark eye, 

 and the great confidence it displays in its associations with 

 man endear it to all, and the thought of killing a robin 



THE REDBREAST. 



in this country is considered about as sacrilegious as robbing 

 a church. Not so, however, in other countries, especially 

 in Italy, where you may see strings of robins and other 

 small birds hung up for sale on market-days. The dish of 

 becca fid served up at the table d'hote is chiefly composed 

 of robins. Browning says : 



" A man may have an appetite enough 

 For a whole dish of robins ready cooked." 



