REDBREAST. 43; 
kitchen daily, and in the autumn used to sing in the hall. 
Another was in the habit of entermg a house to feed, 
another even to go into a lantern to eat the candle in it, 
and other sto alight on the hands of labourers to eat there- 
from. One which was used to visit the abode of a tame 
Eagle at feeding time, flew on to his perch as soon as he 
had left it for the ground, and then alighted on the chain 
by which he was fastened; another visited the same cottage 
for four or five winters in succession, taking up its abode 
within doors altogether, until the return of spring. One of 
a pair, when the days were very fine and bright in October, 
regularly frequented a stable, and when perched upon the 
stall, sang without being in any degree disturbed by the 
general business of the place going forward, even within two 
or three feet of his station. A pair of Redbreasts that were 
assiduously watched during their nidification in a conservatory, 
were one morning found in great consternation, in consequence 
of their nest having been taken possession of by a bat, which 
they eventually compelled to change its quarters. A young 
Robin of the year, caught in the autumn, and kept in a 
cage, made its escape, but on the appearance of snow returned, 
and was evidently at home with the lady of the house and 
a servant who had been accustomed to feed it, shewing more 
partiality to them than to the other inmates.’ 
The Robin is very easily captured in a trap, more so 
than almost any other bird, but it only bears confinement 
at all well in the winter; and if kept for its own sake in 
severe weather, should be released when a change has come. 
‘It is always active and lively, and watchful of all that passes. 
If a new bird is put into the cage or aviary it inhabits, the 
Robin is the first that takes notice of it, and immediately 
approaching, utters its note of surprise, bows repeatedly with 
its peculiar dipping motion, erects its tail, and in various ways 
endeavours to express its interest or surprise. Its attention 
is particularly directed to young birds, either of its own or 
other species.’ 
The flight of this bird is usually rather quick and straight, 
mostly performed near the ground, and for only a short 
distance—from one neighbouring resting-place to another. It 
progresses by a few hops at a time, when it suddenly halts, 
tosses up its head or looks askance, and after a brief pause 
advances again. 
The Robin feeds on various fruits, seeds, and berries, such 
