THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS. 
279 
derive from his winter visits amply repays us for the 
loss of a little fruit. 
No doubt, many persons have observed that the 
white currants suffer less from the ravages of birds 
than the red, although the former are known to be 
much the sw^eetest. The fact is, that all birds, but 
more particularly the robin, prefer all red fruits ; nor 
will they touch the white currants, so long as any red 
are within their reach. 
Who is there that does not love this familiar little 
songster ? Who can harm this sweet familiar friend, 
, which seems to place so much confidence in man 
as frequently to enter his abode and solicit his pro- 
tection ? In severe winters how much are we en- 
livened by a visit from Mr. Robin, whose bright 
animated eye and sprightly motions are exhibited 
while partaking of the crumbs placed for him in the 
window-sill of our breakfast parlour. I have seen 
some saucy enough even to fly on the table, and 
peck the butter, with the greatest sang-froid^ al- 
though several persons were breakfasting at the 
time. 
The fowls of Heav'n, 
Tam'd by the cruel season, crowd around 
The winnowing store, and claim the little boon 
