Redbreast. 145 



is fearless, courageous, and confiding, and frequents rocks and 

 stones in preference to bushes. 



40. REDBREAST (Sylvia rubecula). 



Not only in England, but throughout Northern Europe, in 

 Sweden and Norway, Russia, and Germany, the Redbreast is a 

 favourite, and has a name of endearment : with us he is Robin ; 

 in Sweden he is Tommy ; in Norway and Russia, Peter ; and in 

 Germany, Thomas ; but in Italy and France he shares the fate of 

 all other birds, little as well as big, and is mercilessly killed and 

 eaten. Mr. Waterton says he has counted more than fifty lying 

 dead on one stall at Rome, so that it is no wonder English 

 travellers complain of the silence of the woods and fields in 

 France and Italy, and lament the absence of the varied members 

 of the feathered race which cheer and enliven us at home. Now 

 I have often heard it asked why the Redbreast is so great a 

 favourite ? and its confidence in man has been regarded as the 

 result of its immunity from persecution, but I apprehend this is 

 mistaking the cause for the effect ; for this above all other birds 

 is by nature tame and familiar with man, fearlessly venturing 

 close to him, and by its very confidence begetting the protection 

 which its innocence and bravery seem to claim : for that indeed 

 must be a bad and cruel heart which could abuse such an 

 appeal, and long may our village children, and indeed all of 

 every age and rank, respect this one at least of our winter 

 songsters, so harmless, so pretty, and so confiding. 



At the same time it cannot be denied that our friendly Robin 

 is of all birds the most quarrelsome. A very tyrant among his 

 fellows, he will brook no rival, but attack any intruder on his 

 haunts with the utmost fury. Throughout the year he sings ; 

 even in the cold bleak days of winter he will pour forth his feeble 

 song from some leafless spray ; but not always to the delight of 

 the listener ; for in some places where superstition still lingers 

 and where does it not ? the song of the Robin is thought to 

 bode death to the sick person who hears it, and much uneasiness 

 is consequently caused when its note, or 'weeping/ is heard 



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