Voices of the Dusk 



"Rootlets and tiny twigs and weed stalks and 

 leaves and mud," replied Melody. 



"Mud !" exclaimed Peter. "Why, that's what 

 Welcome Robin uses in his nest." 



"Well, Welcome Robin is my own cousin, so I 

 don't know as there's anything so surprising in 

 that," retorted Melody. 



" Oh," said Peter. " I had forgotten that he is a 

 member of the Thrush family." 



"Well, he is, even if he is dressed quite differently 

 from the rest of us," replied Melody. 



"You mentioned your cousin, Hermit. I don't 

 believe I know him," said Peter. 



"Then it's high time you got acquainted with 

 him," replied Melody promptly. "He is rather 

 fond of being by himself and that is why he is called 

 the Hermit Thrush. He is smaller than I and his 

 coat is not such a bright brown. His tail is 

 brighter than his coat. He has a waistcoat spotted 

 very much like mine. Some folks consider him the 

 most beautiful singer of the Thrush family. I'm 

 glad you like my song, but you must hear Hermit 

 sing. I really think there is no song so beautiful 

 in all the Green Forest." 



"Does he build a nest like yours ?" asked Peter. 



"No," replied Melody. "He builds his nest on 

 the ground, and he doesn't use any mud. Now if 

 you'll excuse me, Peter, I must get my breakfast 

 [233] 



