A Book on Birds 



Listen again! That, indeed, is more than 

 mere sound. It is music; music sweeter 

 for the silence and the far spot whence it 

 is borne; music that we know! 



Of a truth it is none else than our brave 

 little friend the Song Sparrow, warbling 

 as he sleeps, it may be; but in the same 

 happy tones which make his day-dreams 

 so melodious. 



We quicken with pleasure as we hear 

 him. Some doubts are already dispelled. 



We had known of course that many 

 American birds, including the Owls, give 

 voice at night; but we hesitated to believe 

 that any of our genuine songsters actually 

 sing. And here, sure enough, is one to 

 begin with; and we are put to shame for 

 our incredulity. 



And yet it is not he for whom we really 

 came. 



''Will his melody stir the slumbers and 

 the voice of another?'' It is this other 

 who brought us out; and he is still upper- 

 most in our thoughts. Will the Thrasher, 

 (the Brown Mockingbird) whom we admire 



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