THE PERCHING BIRDS. 27 



fair to class one above the other in merit, it is unques- 

 tionably true that we often find individual thrushes 

 of one species the equals of the species considered, or, 

 as a whole, superior. I am confident that no hermit 

 in the wilds of Maine ever excelled a wood-thrush 

 that for four consecutive summers nested in an apple- 

 tree in my lane. Its song was more prolonged and 

 varied than any description of such vocal efforts by 

 Nuttall, Cheney, or other authors. This thrush dif- 

 fered from his fellows in another way. He came 

 earlier in the spring, bringing a mate with him, and 

 stayed nearly a month later. I never quite fathomed 

 the cause, but suspect that it had something to do 

 with the fact that the old tree was one great insec- 

 tarium, and the supply of white ants, among other 

 forms, was apparently limitless. That it was the same 

 thrush each year was apparent ; that it came early in 

 April, mated, was significant, and I quote Nuttall to 

 that effect : 



" Conjugal fidelity and parental affection are among the most con- 

 spicuous traits of the feathered tribes. The pair unite their labors in 

 preparing for the accommodation of their expected progeny; and 

 during the time of incubation their participation of the same cares 

 and solicitudes continually augments their mutual attachment. When 

 the young appear, a new source of care and pleasure opens to them, 

 still strengthening the ties of affection; and the tender charge of 

 rearing and defending their infant brood requires the joint attention 

 of both parents. The warmth of first affection is thus succeeded by 

 calm and steady attachment, which by degrees extends, without 

 suffering any diminution, to the rising branches of the family. 



" This conjugal union in the rapacious tribe of birds, the Eagles 

 and Hawks, as well as with the Ravens and Crows, continues com- 

 monly through life. Among many other kinds it is also of long 

 endurance, as we may perceive in our common Pewee and the Blue- 



