220 THE ROBIN. 



whitened with blossoms, and breathing fragrance. By 

 the usual association of ideas, we therefore listen with 

 more pleasure to this cheerful bird, than to many others 

 of far superior powers, and much greater variety. Even 

 his nest is held more sacred among school-boys than that 

 of some others ; and while they will exult in plundering 

 a Jay's or a Cat-Bird's, a general sentiment of respect 

 prevails on the discovery of a Robin's. He possesses much 

 suavity of manners ; and almost always seeks shelter for 

 his young in summer, and subsistence for himself in the 

 extremes of winter, near the habitations of man. 



They generally suffer severely in moulting time, yet often 

 live to a considerable age. A lady who resides near Tar- 

 rytown, on the banks of the Hudson, raised and kept one 

 of these birds for seventeen years ; which sung as well, 

 and looked as sprightly at that age as ever : but was at 

 last unfortunately destroyed by a cat. The morning is 

 their favorite time for song. In passing- through the streets 

 of our large cities, on Sunday, in the months of April and 

 May, a little after day-break, the general silence which 

 usually prevails without at that hour, will enable you to 

 distinguish every house where one of these songsters re- 

 sides as he makes it then rirg with his music. 



