On the Cattle Ranges 83 



is nothing in the nightingale s song to compare. But 

 in volume and continuity, in tuneful, voluble, rapid 

 outpouring and ardor, above all in skilful and intri 

 cate variation of theme, its song far surpasses that 

 of either of the thrushes. In all these respects it is 

 more just to compare it with the mocking-bird s, 

 which, as a rule, likewise falls short precisely on 

 those points where the songs of the two thrushes 

 excel. 



The mocking-bird is a singer that has suffered 

 much in reputation from its powers of mimicry. 

 On ordinary occasions, and especially in the day 

 time, it insists on playing the harlequin. But when 

 free in its own favorite haunts at night in the love 

 season it has a song, or rather songs, which are not 

 only purely original, but are also more beautiful 

 than any other bird music whatsoever. Once I list 

 ened to a mocking-bird singing the livelong spring 

 night, under the full moon, in a magnolia tree; and 

 I do not think I shall ever forget its song. 



It was on the plantation of Major Campbell 

 Brown, near Nashville, in the beautiful, fertile mid- 

 Tennessee country. The mocking-birds were prime 

 favorites on the place; and were given full scope 

 for the development, not only of their bold friendli 

 ness toward mankind, but also of that marked in 

 dividuality and originality of character in which they 

 so far surpass every other bird as to become the most 

 interesting of all feathered folk. One of the mock- 



