ROBIN. 
199 
sumach, smilax, candle-berry myrtle, and the Virginian juniper 
now afford them an ample repast in the winter, in the absence 
of the more juicy berries of autumn, and the insects and 
worms of the milder season. Even in the vicinity of Boston 
flocks of Robins are seen, in certain seasons, assembling round 
open springs in the depth of winter, having arrived probably 
from the colder interior of the State ; and in those situations they 
are consequently often trapped and killed in great numbers. 
Towards the close of January in South Carolina the Robin 
at intervals still tuned his song ; and about the second week of 
March, in the Middle States, before the snows of winter have 
wholly disappeared, a few desultory notes are already given. 
As soon as the loth of this month they may at times also be 
heard in this part of New England. Early in April, however,, 
at the close of the jealous contests, which are waged with ob- 
stinacy, they are only seen in pairs ; and now from the orchard 
or the edge of the forest, deliver their simple, thrilling lays in 
all the artless energy of true affection. This earnest song re- 
calls to mind the mellow whistle of the Thrush, which in the 
charming month of May so sweetly rises in warbling echoes 
from the low copse and shady glen. Our American bird has 
not, however, the compass and variety of that familiar and 
much-loved songster; but his freedom and willingness to 
please, render him an universal favorite, and he now comes,, 
as it were, with the welcome prelude to the general concert 
about to burst upon us from all the green woods and blooming 
orchards. With this pleasing association with the opening 
season, amidst the fragrance of flowers and the improving ver- 
dure of the fields, we listen with peculiar pleasure to the sim- 
ple song of the Robin. The confidence he reposes in us by 
making his abode in our gardens and orchards, the frankness 
and innocence of his manners, besides his vocal powers to 
please, inspire respect and attachment even in- the truant 
school-boy, and his exposed nest is but rarely molested. He 
owes, however, this immunity in no small degree to the fortu- 
nate name which he bears ; as the favorite Robin Redbreast, 
said to have covered with a leafy shroud the lost and wander- 
