THE LEGEND OF OPECHEE 47 



our family, but like many such things the rec- 

 ords may be read in several ways, and I am 

 indebted to Wawa, whose ancestors were present 

 in great numbers at the time, for the following 

 information. 



"The Red Brothers were fond of us, holding 

 us birds of love and good omen, and they pro- 

 tected us, giving us the name of Opechee. When 

 the first House People came to these parts after 

 their hardships on the rocky shore and barren 

 beaches, they found us here in vast flocks, and 

 seeing that we were confiding and that our breast 

 colour was somewhat like, they called us Robin, 

 after the Robin Redbreast of their home gardens. 



" Another reason for my popularity is, that 

 while I am not very clever, or quick to see things, 

 I am good-tempered, and never, even under the 

 greatest temptation, suck eggs, or show resent- 

 ment if other birds build near my nest. And as 

 I appear a trifle stupid, very little is expected of 

 me, and so when I sing my best, every one marvels. 



" Finally, I am not particular about my food. 

 Of course I prefer nice juicy worms and bugs, 

 with a fruit dessert, but I can live on almost 

 anything, keeping up a brave heart in winter, 

 on a frugal dish of frozen honeysuckle berries. 

 Thus some members of my family are with you 



