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A DESCRIPTION OF 
THE REDBREAST. (Sylvia rubecula.) 
The Redbreast oft, at evening hours, 
Shall kindly lend his little aid, 
"With hoary moss, and gathering flowers, 
To deck the ground where thou art laid. 
COLLINS. 
THE Redbreast, or Robin, as he is popularly called, seems 
always to have enjoyed the protection of man, more than 
any other bird. The prettiness of his shape, the beauty of 
his plumage, the quickness of his motions, his familiarity 
with us in winter, and, above all, the melody and sweet- 
ness of his voice, claim our admiration, and have insured 
him that security he enjoys among us ; though the aid of 
fable has also been called in, to guard him from the assaults 
of thoughtless boys. 
Little bird, with bosom red, 
"Welcome to my humble shed ! 
Courtly domes of high degree 
Have no room for thee and me ; 
Pride and pleasure's fickle throng 
Nothing mind an idle song. 
Daily near my table steal, 
While I pick my scanty meal ; 
