PLAT EB PCxaein. 
Roed-Finke, Roed-Kielke. Brun, 283. 
Rothkehlein. Frifch. 1. 19. 
Rothkropfl. vam. 376. 
Smarnza, Tafchtza. Scop. No. 231. 
The manners and ceconomy of this little creature are familiar to 
every one. It frequents inhabited places in the winter ; in fummer 
it retires into thickets or decayed buildings to breed. ‘The neft is 
compofed of dried leaves mixed with hair and mofs, and lined with 
feathers: it contains from five to feven eggs of a dufky white 
colour, fprinkled with irregular reddifh fpots. The young birds 
are very unlike the adults, being {potted with white. 
The Robin has been chofen by our earlieft poets to pourtray 
inftinctive affection towards man. An artlefs tale*: a pathetic 
appeal to the tendereft feelings, pleads its behalf to the infant mind, 
and maturer age rather cherifhes than difcards its firft impref- 
fions. Hence the Robin, through fucceffive ages, has become an 
object of fondnefs, and fuperftitious refpect ; and, as if confcious of 
our pity and protection, it boldly vifits our dwellings in winter, and. 
claims that fubfiftence the inclement feafun denies. 
—‘* The Rep-BREAST, facred to the houfehold gods, 
Wifely regardful of th’ embroiling fky, 
In joylefs fields and thorny thickets leaves 
His fhivering mates, and pays to trufted man 
His annual vifit. Half afraid, he firit 
“* An ancient and fimple ballad, The Babes in the Wood. 
Again 
