206 The Robin 



flocks feeding upon the holly, mistletoe, and Virginia 

 juniper. There is very little singing at this period, 

 but the call notes are frequently heard. 



Robins migrate for the most part in flocks, arriv- 

 ing in considerable numbers in the latitude of New 

 York about the middle of March. At this time they 

 are in full song, although a few days later their music 

 is more spontaneous and joyous. We are accus- 

 tomed to date the real beginning of spring, not by 

 the day of the calendar, but by the arrival of the 

 robins. As we hear the old familiar song, we stop 

 to listen, and pronounce it a splendid performance. 



You hear a great deal about the damage done by 

 the robins in the cherry trees and berry patches. 

 Why shouldn't the robin come in for his share? He 

 has labored several months of the year in order 

 that the trees might produce, therefore a part belongs 

 to him. It has been said by Dr. Coues: "The robin 

 is a great eater of berries and soft fruits of every 

 description, and these furnish, during the colder 

 portion of the year, its chief sustenance. Some of 

 the cultivated fruits of the orchard and garden are 

 specially attractive, and no doubt the birds demand 

 their tithe; but the damage in this way is trifling at 

 most, and wholly inconsiderable in comparison with 

 the great benefit resulting from the destruction of 



