COVERT WARBLERS,, ,, , . 101 



ever taken delighr in trying tb v get iri * touch 

 with the inmost heart of Nature. As the 

 seasons come round, Robin adapts his ways 

 of living himself to ways and means, and at 

 all times, although in varying degree, he 

 attaches himself to the society of man. 



No cut and dried account of Robin could 

 be tolerated by those who love him as a friend, 

 and speak of him simply as " Robin Red- 

 breast." To them it matters not to what 

 family he is assigned by scientists ; they only 

 care to think of him as the courageous little 

 bird which has been a favourite with English- 

 men from time immemorial. Who can say to 

 how far remote a date belongs our beautiful 

 legend of the Babes in the Wood. The 

 writings of old authors conclusively prove 

 that the redbreast has been a bird of note 

 from very early times. Shakespeare in "Cym- 

 beline" says : 



" With fairest flowers 



While summer lasts, and I live here, Fidele, 

 I'll sweeten thy sad grave : thou shalt not lack 

 The flower that's like thy face, pale primrose ; nor 

 The azured hare-bell, like thy veins ; no, nor 

 The leaf of eglantine, whom not to slander, 

 Out-sweetened not thy breath : the ruddock would, 

 With charitable bill (O bill, sore-shaming 



