THE ROBIN, OR REDBREAST. 115 



tions to a few remarks on its form and habits. 

 A marked peculiarity in the manners of this 

 bird is its familiarity. A constant attendant on 

 the works of man, it follows him during his out 

 of door avocations, and enters his dwellings, as 

 if conscious of the general feeling with which it 

 is beheld, and unsuspicious of the possibility of 

 being entrapped by the closing of his doors or 

 windows. This may be accounted for both by 

 a disposition to sociality with mankind and cul- 

 tivation, undoubtedly innate to many tribes of 

 creatures, and particularly to the ruminantia and 

 the rasores, which this bird, in its own circle, 

 will partly represent, and it may be also attracted 

 by the prospect of food which instinct teaches 

 will be found in his vicinity. Certain it is, 

 however, that the woodman, labouring in the 

 most secluded forest, where scarcely a moving 

 thing is visible, will soon perceive a Robin, 

 perhaps a pair, cautiously approaching by short 

 flights and uttering their single watch-note, and 

 which, if unnoticed and undisturbed, will soon 

 take up a position within a few yards, occa- 

 sionally flitting down to gather the insects or 

 worms disturbed by his operations upon the 

 matted ground. When the weather becomes 

 severe, many are drawn towards our houses, 

 entering for warmth and to collect food. At 

 first they are wary and watchful, but if unmo- 

 lested, and allowed a free egress, they will take 

 up their abode in a room or lobby for a month 

 at a time, selecting a roosting place on the 



