THE JAPANESE ROBIN. 10$ 



flurry of snow." For this description of colors we 

 are indebted to Mrs. Dr. G. Kimball of Lowell, 

 Mass. 



In size, the bird is similar to a bulfinch ; has an 

 eye large, mild, and genial, and every movement is 

 graceful and sprightly. In such a Venus of shape 

 and beauty, we usually expect little or no music ; 

 but listen ! he utters a low prelude. You whistle a 

 responsive call, which he never fails to answer ; and 

 as the sun now rises, and its rays gleam on his square, 

 golden palace, his full, strong melody surprises you. 

 On, on he sings. Now you are delighted ; then rap- 

 ture follows delight, as trill and warble and merry 

 run follow in quick succession. 



His voice compasses all the notes and semi-tones 

 contained between the low contralto and high tenor. 

 Every day he delights with new and surprising com- 

 binations, as well as notes totally different from any 

 before uttered. Some day from the porch he hears 

 a wild bird's tender song or delicate trill, and 

 forthwith makes it his own, and yours too in pay- 

 ment for a little care and petting. He whistles 

 every month in the year. 



Though not reared in a cage, he is tame and 

 teachable, never quarrels nor complains, eats with 

 keen relish the prepared bird-food, and occasionally 

 wants a few meal-worms or ant's eggs. Being very 

 hardy he has few diseases. Carrot grated and 

 mixed with his food once or twice a week, keeps him 

 in good health and song throughout the year. His 

 cage should be square, about medium size. 



