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Birds. 
THE ROBIN, OR REDBREAST. 
(Erythacus rubecida.) 
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 sweetness of his voice, claim our admira- 
tion, and have insured him that security which 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 ; 
Doubt not, little though there be, 
But I'll cast a crumb for thee ; 
