SONG SPARROW, 323 



Though many pass on to the Southern States at the commence- 

 ment of winter, yet a few seem to brave the colds of New 

 England as long as the snowy waste does not conceal their 

 last resource of nutriment. When the inundating storm at 

 length arrives, they no longer, in the sheltering swamps and 

 borders of bushy streams, spend their time in gleaning an in- 

 sufficient subsistence, but in the month of November begin to 

 retire to the warmer States ; and here, on fine days, even in 

 January, whisper forth their usual strains. As early as the 4th 

 of March, the weather being mild, the Song Sparrow and the 

 Bluebird here jointly arrive, and cheer the yet dreary face of 

 Nature with their familiar songs. The latter flits restlessly 

 through the orchard or neighboring fields ; the Sparrow, more 

 social, frequents the garden, barn-yard, or road-side in quest 

 of support, and from the top of some humble bush, stake, or 

 taller bough tunes forth his cheering lay, in frequent repetitions, 

 for half an hour or more at a time. These notes have some 

 resemblance to parts of the Canary's song, and are almost 

 uninterruptedly and daily delivered, from his coming to the 

 commencement of winter. When the birds first arrive, while 

 the weather is yet doubtful and unsettled, the strain appears 

 contemplative, and is often delivered in a peculiarly low and 

 tender whisper, which, when hearkened to for some time, will 

 be found more than usually melodious, seeming as a sort of 

 revery, or innate hope of improving seasons, which are recalled 

 with a grateful, calm, and tender delight. At the approach of 

 winter, this vocal thrill, sounding like an Orphean farewell to 

 the scene and season, is still more exquisite, and softened by 

 the sadness which seems to breathe almost with sentiment, 

 from the decaying and now silent face of Nature. Our song- 

 ster, never remarkable for sprightliness, as the spring advances 

 delivers his lay louder and more earnestly. He usually begins 

 with a tsK tsh' tshe te tshete ishete, and blends in a good deal of 

 quivering notes. Individuals also excel, and vary their song from 

 time to time with very agreeable effect ; and it is only because 

 our familiar vocalist is so constantly heard and seen that so little 

 value is set upon his agreeable, cheerful, and faithful perform- 



