142 CITIZEN BIRD 



This Thrasher was clinging to tlie end of a slender 

 branch, one claw above the other, so that his head, which 

 was thrown back, looked straight up to the sky. He 

 seemed to be half talking and half singing, as if giving 

 directions to some unseen performer, then following 

 these by two or three clear notes. 



'' What is he saying ? " said Dodo. 



" He is telling you who he is, and what he sees from 

 the tree-top," said the Doctor. " Olive, dear, I am 

 going to repeat to the children the jingle you made 

 about the Thrasher." Though Olive then blushed 

 and said it was only nonsense, the children were de- 

 lighted with it. 



" My creamy breast is speckled 

 (Perhaps you'd call it freckled) 

 Black and brown. 



" My pliant russet tail 

 Beats like a frantic flail, 

 Up and down. 



" In the top branch of a tree 

 You may chance to glance at me, 

 When I sing. 



" But I'm veiT, very shy, 

 When I silently float by, 

 On the wing. 



" Whew there ! Hi there ! Such a clatter \ 

 What's the matter — \Yhat's the matter? 

 Really, really? 



" Digging, delving, raking, sowing, 

 Corn is sprouting, corn is growing ! 

 Plant it, plant it 1 



