338 CARDINAL GROSBEAK. 



During winter the Cardinal Grosbeak frequently shews itself in the 

 farm-yard, among Turtle-Doves, Jays, Mocking-Birds, and various spe- 

 cies of Sparrows, picking up its food from the store daily supplied to the 

 poultry. It now and then seeks refuge at night in the lee of some hay- 

 stack, or throws itself with many other birds among the thickest branches 

 of the nearest evergreen tree. 



The flight of this species is strong and rapid, although seldom con- 

 tinued to any great distance. It is performed by glidings and jerks of 

 the tail. When the bird is alighted it also frequently juts its tail with 

 grace. Like all birds of the genus it hops, bvit does not walk. 



Its song is at first loud and clear, resembling the finest sounds pro- 

 duced by the flageolet, and gradually descends into more marked and 

 continued cadences, until it dies away in the air around. During the 

 love-season the song is emitted with increased emphasis by this proud 

 musician, who, as if aware of his powers, swells his throat, spreads his 

 rosy tail, droops his wings, and leans alternately to the right and left, as 

 if on the eve of expiring with delight at the delicious sounds of his own 

 voice. Again and again are those melodies repeated, the bird resting 

 only at intervals to breathe. They may be heard from long before the 

 sun gilds the eastern horizon, to the period when the blazing orb pours 

 down its noonday floods of heat and light, driving the birds to the coverts 

 to seek repose for a while. Nature again invigorated, the musician re- 

 commences his song, when, as if he had never strained his throat before, 

 he makes the whole neighbourhood resound, nor ceases until the shades 

 of evening close around him. Day after day the song of the Red Bird 

 beguiles the weariness of his mate as she assidously warms her eggs ; and 

 at times she also assists with the modesty of her gentler sex. Few in- 

 dividuals of our own race refuse their homage of admiration to the 

 sweet songster. How pleasing is it, when, by a clouded sky, the woods 

 are rendered so dark, tliat were it not for an occasional glimpse of clearer 

 light falling between the trees, you might imagine night at hand, while 

 you are yet far distant from your home — how pleasing to have your ear 

 suddenly saluted by the well known notes of this favourite bird, assu- 

 ring you of peace around, and of the full hour that still remains for you 

 to pursue your walk in security ! How often have I enjoyed this pleasure, 

 and how often, in due humbleness of hope, do I trust that I may enjoy 

 it again ! 



