THE FIRST ROBIN. 
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he was often seen scampering around. One day when all 
four were running about in the tree one of the smallest fell 
to the ground. Of course they raised a great commotion, 
running up and down and chattering in the most pitiful 
manner, but he got back all right again. One day all of 
them moved under the verandah and we have not seen them 
since, but I hope to in the spring. 
Christine E. Gayeer. 
Ridgewood, N. J. March 3, 1902. 
“The First Robin.” 
The fact that robins winter about Manchester, N. H., 
has generally been discredited, or at least believed to be of 
rare occurrence, and the latter is undoubtedly true, numer¬ 
ous reports and newspaper stories to the contrary. 
This winter, however, it seems probable that one or more 
individuals have wintered with us, as the lively chirrup 
and glimpses of the bird in question have frequently been 
reported by bird-lovers, and on January 14 a robin was 
seen by one of our most accurate observers and other wit¬ 
nesses. 
On March 10 a redbreast was seen chirping and flying 
about on the Smyth Road, in the same animated manner 
as if enjoying his first April shower. It seemed early for 
new arrivals ; yet, why did he stay ? 
Did he know that there would be sufficient bare ground 
to furnish him subsistence through the long winter ? Or 
did he have a mind to go when he pleased, or in time of 
want ? Was he a young bird that had strayed from the 
flock at migration, and dared not venture on the journey 
without a leader, or did he believe that all advantages 
would come his way by being on the ground when the next 
mating and housekeeping season returned ? s. c. f. 
