The Birds’ Calendar 
of the illustrious Mark Tapley, for he ‘‘ comes 
out strong’’ under the most adverse circum- 
stances, a trait of which unfortunately he enjoys 
almost the exclusive monopoly among his fel- 
lows. It is delightful to find a mellow side to 
that notable and cast-iron moralist, Emerson, 
and such quick response to the charm of this 
dainty creature, interpreting his blithesome mes- 
sage 
** As if it said, ‘ Good day, good sir! 
Fine afternoon, old passenger ! 
Happy to meet you in these places, 
Where January brings few faces !’” 
His jollity is absolutely contagious. ‘The man 
that can listen to his rollicking outburst and 
not smile in sympathy, mark my words, that 
man is a villain. 
Even for those who are unacquainted with 
this light-hearted guest of winter it seems 
hardly necessary to append a description, for its 
song is its unfailing badge; but for complete- 
ness I will add that it is about five inches long, 
ashy above, white beneath (in winter tinted 
with rusty or buff ),—crown, nape, and throat 
clear black. 
By the middle of the month the tide of mi- 
gration sets in a little more strongly. As the 
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