THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS. 
283 
Robins are said to be sad depredators of the fruits, 
but should we grudge them the little they consume, 
for which they so amply repay us by their harmoni- 
ous singing, when most other songsters have forsaken 
us. Though they are usually considered only au- 
tumnal songsters, they sing equally in spring and 
summer ; but in the two former seasons their voices 
are not distinguished in the universal harmony that 
surrounds us. It is only in the still, quiet, autumnal 
everting, among the fading leaves, that the genuine 
beauty of his notes can be appreciated, as Miss 
Strickland beautifully observes : — 
A thousand birds, with joyous tone. 
Proclaim the birth of spring ; 
But, Robin, thou art left alone. 
The autumn hymn to sing. 
We hear the echo's jocund voice. 
When waving trees look green. 
And linnet, lark, and thrush rejoice. 
When summer flowers are seen ; 
But when they wither on the plain. 
Then, Robin, thou art heard 
