THE ROBIN REDBREAST. 
(Erithocus rubecula , L.) 
^JNIVERSALLY known and universally loved, not in 
the British Isles only, but throughout Europe, the 
Robin is a curious instance of a bird with no verv amicable 
temper becoming a general favourite. This arises partly from 
the welcome patch of colour on its breast, but still more from 
its habit of drawing near man’s habitations in winter, and 
its trustfulness when fed by him. The poets have seized 
this trait. So Chaucer speaks of “ the tame Ruddocke,” and 
Wordsworth apostrophises it— 
“ Thrice happy creature in all lands 
Nurtured by hospitable hands.” 
And again— 
“ The bird whom man loves best, 
The pious bird with the scarlet breast, 
The cheerer, thou, of our indoor sadness.” 
Very familiar also to all is the picture so beautifully drawn 
by the poet of “ The Seasons,” whose verses are too little 
read at the present day— 
“ The Redbreast sacred to the household gods, 
Wisely regardful of th’ embroiling sky, 
In joyless fields and thorny thickets leaves 
His shivering mates, and pays to trusted man 
His annual visit. Half-afraid, he first 
Against the window beats; then brisk alights 
On the warm hearth ; then, hopping o’er the floor, 
Eyes all the smiling family askance, 
And pecks, and starts, and wonders where he is.” 
It would be more difficult to say where the Robin is not found than to name 
He who rests a moment on the dullest road, or halts while shooting 
its haunts. 
