ROBIN. 51 



gentle melody pours on our ears from every side as we 

 walk abroad. 



Another curious fact, mentioned by Professor Newton, 

 is that the old birds retire during the moulting season 

 to distant and secluded spots, and that during their 

 absence the young ones take possession of the old 

 haunts. When the old birds return in the autumn, 

 severe conflicts ensue ; every lawn becomes a battle-field, 

 in which the young birds are worsted, and forced to 

 retire to other camping-grounds. 



The Robin, although a familiar, is yet a shy bird, nor 

 does he display that valour in defence of his eggs or 

 young ones which is so conspicuous in other birds. It 

 is also very doubtful whether his character will bear 

 very strict investigation as to amiability, for he seems 

 to be essentially of a jealous nature, and unwilling to 

 brook any rival, or, indeed, near neighbour, in the 

 domains he considers his own. It is said that one 

 killed twenty of his own species, merely because they 

 intruded upon a greenhouse to which he believed that 

 he had a prescriptive and exclusive right. 



Mr. Thompson mentions some amusing instances of 

 the pugnacity of Robins. Two Robins were so absorbed 

 in combat, that they fought from the air downwards to 

 the earth, until they disappeared in a man's hat that 

 happened to be lying on the ground, and in which they 

 both were captured. In another case, " two Robins, 

 having fought most wickedly in the air, alighted to take 

 breath ; and having recovered a little, they were about to 

 recommence the charge, when a duck, that had witnessed 

 the combat, quickly waddled up, and in the most gentle 

 and pacific manner shoved, with his bill, the one to 



