BIRDS OF THE NIGHT. 293 



As an original songster, estimated by the notes which 

 on rare occasions he pours out in a serious mood from his 

 own favorite spot and during his favorite hour, which' 

 is the earliest dawn, the Mocking-Bird is probably un- 

 equalled by any American songster. His notes are loud, 

 varied, melodious, and of great compass. They may be 

 likened to those of the Eed-Thrush, more forcibly deliv- 

 ered, and having more flute-notes and fewer guttural 

 notes and sudden transitions. He also sinys often on 

 the wiug, and with fervor, while the other Thrushes sing 

 only from tlieir perch. But his song has less variety than 

 that of the Eed-Thrush, and falls short of it in some 

 other respects. The Eed-Thrush, however, has too little 

 persistence -in his singing. 



By other writers the Mocking-Bird is put forward as 

 superior to the Nightingale. This assumption might be 

 worthy of consideration, if the American bird were not 

 addicted to mimicry. This execrable habit renders him 

 imfit to be compared with the Nightingale, wliose song 

 also resembles that of a Finch more than that of a 

 Thrush. His mocking habits almost annihilate his value 

 as a songster ; as the effect of a concert would be spoiled 

 if the players were constantly introducing, in the midst 

 of their serious music, snatches of vulgar and ridiculous 

 tunes and uncouth sounds. 



TO THE MOCKING-BIRD. 



Carolling Iiird, that merrily niglit and day 

 Tellest thy raptures from the rvistling spray, 

 And wakest the morning with tliy varied lay, 



Singing thy matins ; — 

 "When we have come to hear thy sweet oblation 

 Of love and joyance from thy sylvan station. 

 Why in the place of mnsical cantation 



Balk us with pratings ? 



