The Birds and Poets 233 



what man in his vanity considers his exclusive 

 property. 



I have heard of a Massachusetts gentleman who 

 preserves his cherry trees for the exclusive benefit 

 of the robins. If they do not eat all the cherries, 

 he takes what is left. He considers the fruit more 

 valuable as food for the robins than for any other 

 purpose. It all depends upon the point of view! 



Mischievous birds that steal grain or fruit 

 always incur the enmity of that class of conscien- 

 tious people who cut down their fruit trees that 

 the boys may not be tempted to break the eighth 

 commandment! * 



January is the month of typical winter birds. 

 Some fall stragglers remain with us until Decem- 

 ber, and a few spring birds arrive as early as 

 February, but January is the month of the real 

 winter bird. 



Some winters the birds seem quite abundant, 

 but they are never so numerous that they may be 

 considered commonplace. At this season 



"* * * no plumed throng 

 Charms the woods with song." 



Winter birds are always rare enough that a sight 

 of one makes the pulse beat quicker. 



Birds in winter frequently ,go about in flocks, 

 in which will be found representatives of two or 



* Wilson Flagg, Birds & Seasons, p. 375. 



