PLATE XV. 
The Robin, or Red Brea/l. 
T 
X HESE birds, although fociable and familiar with mankind, feldom meet one another without a 
reciprocal challenge. Their hoftile difpofition is indicated by a peculiar note in their fong. The 
challenge is foon accepted, and a battle enfues. In winter they often become domefticated, and take 
refuge by our fire-fides in the inclement feafon. I remember one of thefe fecial birds, with only one 
leg, which paid an annual vifu to the houfe for many fucceffive feafons. The poets not unfrequently 
celebrate this Bird. We meet with the following pifturefque defcription in the favourite bard of 
nature 
— one alone 
The Red-breaft, facred to the houlhold Gods, 
Wifely regardful of th'embroiling Iky, 
In joylefs fields, and thorny thickets, leaves 
His ftiivering mates, and pays to trufted man 
His annual vifit. Half afraid, he firft 
Againft the window beats ; then, brifk, alights 
On the warm hearth ; then, hopping o'er the floor, 
Eyes all the fmihng family afkance. 
And pecks, and ftarts, and wonders where he is ; 
Till more familiar grown, the table crumbs 
Attrafts his flender feet. 
Thefe birds build earlier than any other : but as the neft is moft accurately defcribed in the plate 
It IS needlefs to employ the attention of the reader by dwelling upon particulars. It muft not how- 
ever be unobferved that in the manner and place of building they are not always confiftent and 
No. V. , M regular 
