CHAPTER II. 



AMONG THE BIRDS IN AUTUMN. 



THE last days of summer, and the first of autumn, 

 are marked by a striking quietness amongst bird 

 life. The music of nearly every species of bird 

 is hushed ; most birds are more skulking than 

 usual ; many disappear to all but the keenest 

 scrutiny ; and only an occasional chirp betrays 

 their whereabouts. Many birds are still moult- 

 ing ; but, as the autumn passes away, we gradually 

 see the apparently deserted woods and fields 

 filled once more with their feathered inhabitants 

 songless, to remain so until the following 

 spring. To this rule, however, there are one or 

 two exceptions. Undoubtedly, the homely little 

 Robin is the most prominent songster in autumn. Robins in 



f & full song, is 



His sweet strains lend life to the woods and 

 hedgerows, and the shrubberies and gardens are 

 made glad by his music, just as the Michaelmas 

 daisies and chrysanthemums give a last touch of 

 welcome colour to the flower-beds. Every one 

 knows the Robin, almost every one is familiar 

 with his rich, sweet melody. There is something 



