148 
NATURAL HISTORY 
RED-BREAST. . 
The Red-breast seems to have been a 
favourite of nature. She lias bestowed upon 
him several qualities, one only of which 
would be sufficient to recommend him to the 
attention of man. The preltiness of his 
shape, the beauty of his plumage, the quick- 
ness of his motions, and above all, the 
melody and sweetness of his voice, always 
claim our admiration, and have insured him 
that security he enjoys among us. The Red- 
breast is rather more celebrated for its affec- 
tion to mankind than its singing, which, 
however, in our climate, has the sweetest 
note of all others. The note of other birds 
is louder, and their inflections more capri- 
cious ; but this bird’s voice is soft, tender, 
and well supported. 
