THE THRUSHES. 319 



insects, worms, and berries, swallow earth and gravel to assist diges- 

 tion, but disgorge the kernels and hard seeds of fruit, and are also 

 easily fed on bread and other farinaceous food. They excel in song, 

 and are the most powerful of feathered musicians. Their flesh is 

 also esteemed (but their lives and labors to the husbandman are in- 

 finitely more valuable). Every country and climate possesses spe- 

 cies of this interesting genus. 



Subgenus. — Orpheus. 



With the bill elongated and considerably curved throughout. In 

 these the voice is powerful and eminently melodious, and they dis- 

 play usually a talent for mimickry. By the uniformity of their 

 haunts, they live apparently paired for several seasons, and evince 

 more sagacity and intelligence than any other musical birds hitherto 

 known. 



