ROBIN. 135 



wholesome, and even dangerous food; and that several persons 

 had suffered by eating of them. The strange appearance of the 

 bowels of the birds seemed to corroborate this account. The 

 demand for, and use of them ceased almost instantly; and mo- 

 tives of self-preservation produced at once what all the pleadings 

 of humanity could not effect.* When fat they are in conside- 

 rable esteem for the table, and probably not inferior to the 

 turdi of the ancients, which they bestowed so much pains on in 

 feeding and fattening. The young birds are frequently and easily 

 raised, bear the confinement of the cage, feed on bread, fruits, 

 &c. sing well, readily learn to imitate parts of tunes, and are 

 very pleasant and cheerful domestics. In these I have always 

 observed that the orange on the breast is of a much deeper tint, 

 often a dark mahogany or chestnut colour, owing no doubt to 

 their food and confinement. 



The Robin is one of our earliest songsters; even in March, 

 while snow yet dapples the fields, and flocks of them are dis- 

 persed about, some few will mount a post or stake of the fence, 

 and make short and frequent attempts at their song. Early in 

 April, they are only to be seen in pairs, and deliver their notes 

 with great earnestness, from the top of some tree detached from 

 the woods* This song has some resemblance to, and indeed is 

 no bad imitation of the notes of the Thrush or Thrasher ( Turdus 

 rufus); but if deficient in point of execution, he possesses more 

 simplicity; and makes up in zeal what he wants in talent; so 

 that the notes of the Robin, in spring, are universally known, 

 and as universally beloved. They are as it were the prelude to 

 the grand general concert, that is about to burst upon us from 

 woods, fields and thickets, whitened with blossoms, and brea- 



* Governor Drayton, in his " View of South Carolina," p. 86, observes, that 

 "the Robins in winter devour the b ernes of the Bead tree (Melia dzedarach,) 

 in such large quantities, that after eating- of them they are observed to fall 

 down, and are readily taken. This is ascribed more to distension from abun- 

 dant eating than from any deleterious qualities of the plant." The fact, how- 

 ever, is, that they are literally choaked, many of the berries being too large 

 to be swallowed. 



