The Redbreast. 215 



attend closely upon anyone who approaches their 

 haunt if he only stand still for a moment or 

 two. No doubt this habit is much the result 

 of cupboard love,, as the birds have found from 

 experience that human beings more often than not 

 disturb the surface of the ground, and thus supply 

 them with a meal of worms and insects. In London 

 the redbreast never appears to us quite, so soci- 

 able as in the country, where it enters houses 

 freely, especially in the winter ; but wherever it is 

 found, whether in town or country, it is a sociable, 

 inquisitive, truly pugnacious, and most lovable little 

 bird. 



