COMMON SONG-SPARROW. 
487 
even in January, whisper forth their usual strains. As 
early as the 4th of March, the weather being mild, the 
Song-Sparrow and the Blue-Bird here jointly arrive, and 
cheer the yet dreary face of nature with their familiar 
songs. The latter flits restlessly, through the orchard 
or neighbouring fields; the Sparrow, more social, fre- 
quents the garden, barn-yard, or road-side in quest of 
support, and from the top of some humble bush, stake, 
or taller bough, tunes forth his cheering lay, in fre- 
quent repetitions, for half an hour or more at a time. 
These notes have some resemblance to parts of the Ca- 
nary’s song, and are almost uninterruptedly and daily 
delivered, from his coming till the commencement of 
winter. When he first arrives, while the weather is yet 
doubtful and unsettled, the strain appears contemplative, 
and often delivered in a peculiarly low and tender whisper, 
which, when hearkened to for some time, will be found 
more than usually melodious, seeming as a sort of reverie, 
or innate hope of improving seasons, which are recalled 
with a grateful, calm, and tender delight. At the approach 
of winter, this vocal thrill, sounding like an Orphean 
farewell to the scene and season, is still more exquisite, 
and softened by the sadness which seems to breathe al- 
most with sentiment, from the decaying and now silent 
face of nature. Our songster, never remarkable for 
sprightliness, as the spring advances, delivers his lay 
louder and more earnestly. He usually begins with a tsh ’ 
tsh ’ tshe tc tshete tshete, and blends in a good deal of 
quivering notes. Individuals also excel, and vary their 
song from time to time with very agreeable effect; and 
it is only because our familiar vocalist is so constantly 
heard and seen, that so little value is set upon his 
agreeable, cheerful, and faithful performance. When 
not attached to the garden, our Sparrow seems fond of 
