60 



FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



wail, uttered generally towards roosting-time, and of a very 

 melancholy nature. 



Formerly it was thought to be particularly unlucky to 

 keep a caged Robin, and the accidental advent of one 

 through the open window was, in certain parts of the 

 country, held to be a sign of a coming " death in the 

 family/' These superstitions, with many another, are 

 so very deep-rooted as to obtain to a great extent at the 

 present day. 



The Robin is exceedingly inquisitive, and will infallibly 

 inspect every fresh-turned flower-bed, possibly in search 

 of food, though anything fresh or extraordinary has a very 

 great charm for this favourite bird. 



