146 BRITISH LAND BIRDS. 



warbler than the wren, and connects the warblers 

 with the chats. This well-known favourite as- 

 sociates more familiarly than almost any other 

 bird with men ; yet it is, really, a native of the 

 woods. It is unnecessary to describe a bird so 

 universally known. Not only is it a most enter- 

 taining little creature, but it is also exceedingly 

 useful, capturing myriads of insects and worms, 

 and destroying the eggs of flies and caterpillars. 

 The manner of approaching its prey, when on the 

 ground, is by very light and rapid hops ; and 

 when the bird has got within its distance, it 

 pounces upon the object with great certainty. 



The song of the robin is sweet and plaintive ; 

 but not very powerful. It is said that the differ- 

 ent changes of its strain indicate the varying 

 states of the weather ; and that, when the bird 

 perches high, and sings cheerfully, it is an uner- 

 ring promise of fine weather. The sprightly 

 manner, full dark eye, and sidelong turn of the 

 head in this bird give it an air of sagacity and 

 inquisitiveness, which, together with its con- 

 fidence, has gained it friends. With many re- 

 deeming qualities, however, the robin is one of 

 the most pugnacious of birds, and maintains his 

 right to his own "beat" against all intruders. 

 The nest is frequently placed, on a bank, in a hole 

 of a wall, or by the roots of trees, and in concealed 



