16 



WOOD NOTES WILD. 



a burlesque repetition. The effect is humorous; for he 

 seems to be shyly ridiculing his performance as he 

 goes along, for his own private enjoyment. This after- 

 effort, not intended for the public, is usually pitched at 

 the top of his voice, so high that his voice often breaks, 

 when the result is truly ludicrous. I am convinced that 

 many times when we think the robin is resting between 

 strains, he is busying himself in the manner described. 

 His song on this occasion ran, 



2. Another song at daybreak. 



May 6, at 4 P. M., there were signs of rain, and red- 

 breast seemed to be unusually inspired. He sang with 

 great spirit, 



While at my work, May 8, I heard him introducing 



