THE REDBREAST. 
Its Habitat.— -Without doubt the redbreast, or robin red- 
d S h V S familiarly called, is the most popular bird in 
England He as equally well beloved by young and old 
Little Children, at least when they become old enough to be 
acquainted With the doleful history of the “ Babes in the Wood ” 
look upon him With awe and admiration; the schoolboy hurry- 
mg along in the morning, bread and butter in hand, breaks 
a piece and throws it to “Robin;” the ploughman picks up 
the unearthed worm, and tosses it to the expectant bird; the 
gler spares a gentle” to the little inquisitive redbreast who 
bahinAhet T r at i ha “ d ’ COTiousl y watching the process of 
simWW ll , 00k; t and e™ 1 ^e surly gardener, although he 
orcha d m ' 1 " 0t | r ithont reason ) that master Rob is an 
an? t„l ° bbe "’. a Sj utt °. n for brants and ripe berries, forgives 
and tolerates him for his sociality and courage 
..fi a a Wlld bird ’ is a res P e °table member of society, 
and has many excellent qualities. He will often take up his 
b M m ^‘ 0rS - Several “stances are recorded of this peculiarity 
by Mr Thompson : m all the cases, however, “ shrubberies and 
plantations W ° re qmte near to the chosen spot.” “ At Fort 
William, says he, “ the seat of a relative, the folio win o- c ir- 
O 193 & 
