22 BY-WAYS AND BIRD=NOTES. 
mocking-bird in its proper haunts will agree 
with me that its voice is something far more 
marvellous than has ever been dreamed of by 
those who have heard it only from the cage; 
and especially will the lover of high dramatic 
art and consummate individuality of manner 
and vocalization be charmed with the bird’s 
exquisite ‘‘ dropping song,” if once he has the 
good fortune to witness its delivery and hear 
its rhythmic gushes of rapture. 
