82 WILD NATURE IN STRATHEARN. 



In this country the season of reproduction 

 is undoubtedly that wherein 



" The isle is full of pleasant noises, 

 Sounds, and sweetness that give delight." 



And about ten weeks have been mentioned as 

 the period during which most of our wild birds 

 are in song. That there is an exception to this 

 rule, few can doubt. We have heard a wild 

 Thrush, one of the sweetest singers of his 

 tribe, sing far into September, and never could 

 find that he had a mate. Then, again, we have 

 the autumnal, and even the winter, notes of the 

 Robin long after the breeding season ; and 

 caged birds, if well fed and kept, will sing the 

 greater part of the year. 



The Mavis and Blackbird open the concert 

 before the year is two months old, and by April 

 we have the full chorus, which is continued 

 until July, when all are employed in nidification. 

 Gradually the music declines until October, when 

 all is hushed until the plaintive song of the Robin 

 and the sweet, gentle song of the Wren is heard, 



