Evansville daily journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1863-1866, 1865-09-04
The Story Of a Robin.

A correspondent of the London Athe.
n9um writes:
Some years since robin frequented
my garden in the neighborhood of Ports
mouth. Whilst at work, alone or with
my children, he would follow me about
TO obtain insects and other things from
the newly disturbed earth was very
regular in going out after breakfast
when the weather permitted. The little
creature became aware of this, and
generally found him perched on back
thorn tree, that grew just outside the
door waiting for me. AS soon "a l ap-
pearsd be would begin Huttering his
wings and showing other signs of pleas
ure. He would then move With nae from
place to place until / began to work.
when he would settle down very near me,
searching the. ground, as il was turned
over, for foodsH ia lGa5sca9
We continued on these terms of init
macy during the SUMNER In the au-
tumn he disappeared, but returned again
on the approach Of winter. His pro.
ceedings during this season were often
very amusing. At one time another rob-
in came about the parlor window, which
seemed greatly to excite our little friend,
and they had many pitched battles. Pre-
vious to these onsets they would advan CO
along an asparagus bed, in front Of the
window, in parallel lines, and when some
crumbs were thrown out the conflict
would commences. Whilst they were
lighting the sparrows generally made off
with the pieces. This war only termina-
ted with the disappearance of the intru-
der.
Bot our robins troubles was not at an
end. He was now beset by numerous
sparrows, whose courage Increased as
the progress of winter diminished their
Eaeans of substance. With some of
these he had most desperate conflicts,
and this state of things did NOT cease
until the coming on of spring enabled
the fofmer to find food elsewhere. The
robin also disappeared for a time, bat
soon returned With mate, and reared a
brood somewhere without the premises.
During the following winter the same
wars we're waged as before, with similar
results. Oar friend mated again the
succeeding spring, and appeared to have
gained contidence from the manner. in
HuiSh ne hhu hNOu AnOuRst US. Inc
nest was built this year on a little. shelf
Ia an outbuilding at the bottom Of the
garden. Here they reared their young,
the hen, during the period Of incubation,
remaining on the nest even when some
of the family were close to it; but it was
out Of the reach of the children. shall
not readily forget our friends Joy when
the young. ones made their appearance.
One morning on going into the garden
as usual, my attention was attracted by
his uncommon agitation and proceedings.
He would come about with great earnest
ness of manner, and then Fly toward the
nest, and repeated this until it occurred
70 me that he meant something. On
following him be appeared to express
great delight, flying backwards and for
wards until we arrived at the nest. The
female was absent, and he seemed to en-
JOY the pleasure Of introducing me to
his family, hopping about with the great
est glee. We found afterwards that the
hen did not approve. of any of us ap-
preaching her young, as she invariably
gave q note of alarm when any of as
went near them. Circumstances arising
that caused our removal terminated my
acquaintance with the robin.