82 The Robin 



sixth returned with her mate and began a nest in a 

 bush close by the house. Only one brood was reared 

 this season. The following spring she returned and 

 reared two broods. With her fall migration our 

 acquaintance ended. The next spring we waited and 

 watched, even placing food upon the board in the 

 lilac bush, but our old friends did not appear. 



WHY THE robin's BREAST IS RED. 



According to a certain legend, a bird played a part 

 in the crucifixion. It was a modest Uttle bird with 

 gray plumage, which approached the cross timidly, 

 uttering cries of grief. With its wings it tried to wipe 

 away the bUnding sweat and blood from the face of 

 Jesus, while with its beak it tried to pluck away one of 

 the thorns which was piercing his forehead. A single 

 drop of blood fell on the breast of the pitying gray 

 bird, and gave to the world the Robin Redbreast. 

 Jesus said : " Blessed be thou, little bird, which sharest 

 my sorrows! May joy accompany thee everywhere! 

 Thine eggs shall be blue as the sky above ; thou shalt 

 be the 'bird of God,' bearer of good tidings." 



