ROBIN. 199 



sumach, smilax, candle-berry myrtle, and the Virginian juniper 

 now afford them an ample repast in the winter, in the absence 

 of the more juicy berries of autumn, and the insects and 

 worms of the milder season. Even in the vicinity of Boston 

 flocks of Robins are seen, in certain seasons, assembling round 

 open springs in the depth of winter, having arrived probably 

 from the colder interior of the State ; and in those situations they 

 are consequently often trapped and killed in great numbers. 



Towards the close of January in South Carolina the Robin 

 at intervals still tuned his song ; and about the second week of 

 March, in the Middle States, before the snows of winter have 

 wholly disappeared, a few desultory notes are already given. 

 As soon as the loth of this month they may at times also be 

 heard in this part of New England. Early in April, however, 

 at the close of the jealous contests, which are waged with ob- 

 stinacy, they are only seen in pairs ; and now from the orchard 

 or the edge of the forest, deliver their simple, thrilling lays in 

 all the artless energy of true affection. This earnest song re- 

 calls to mind the mellow whistle of the Thrush, which in the 

 charming month of May so sweetly rises in warbling echoes 

 from the low copse and shady glen. Our American bird has 

 not, however, the compass and variety of that familiar and 

 much-loved songster; but his freedom and wiUingness to 

 please, render him an universal favorite, and he now comes, 

 as it were, with the welcome prelude to the general concert 

 about to burst upon us from all the green woods and blooming 

 orchards. With this pleasing association with the opening 

 season, amidst the fragrance of flowers and the improving ver- 

 dure of the fields, we listen with peculiar pleasure to the sim- 

 ple song of the Robin. The confidence he reposes in us by 

 making his abode in our gardens and orchards, the frankness 

 and innocence of his manners, besides his vocal powers to 

 please, inspire respect and attachment even in the truant 

 school-boy, and his exposed nest is but rarely molested. He 

 owes, however, this immunity in no small degree to the fortu- 

 nate name which he bears ; as the favorite Robin Redbreast, 

 said to have covered with a leafy shroud the lost and wander- 



