16 WOOD NOTES WILD. 
a burlesque repetition. The effect is humorous; for he 
seems to be shyly ridiculing his performance as he 
goes along, for his own private enjoyment. This after- 
effort, not intended for the public, is usually pitched at 
the top of his voice, so high that his voice often breaks, 
when the result is truly ludicrous. I am convinced that 
many times when we think the robin is resting between 
strains, he is busying himself in the manner described. 
His song on this occasion ran, — 
May 6, at 4 P. m., there were signs of rain, and red- 
breast. seemed to be unusually inspired. He sang with 
great spirit, — 
While at my work, May 8,I heard him introducing 
