212 THRUSH. 



that of the Mocking-bird. His prices 

 vary from six to fifteen dollars in this 

 country, entirely on account of greater or 

 less richness or vigour of voice. The 

 native notes of this bird are so fine, that 

 although he is capable of acquiring, he is 

 never taught airs, which in this case 

 would be really a sacrilegious perversion 

 of nature. 



His colours are very similar to, but 

 deeper than those of our Wood Thrush, 

 (Turdus melodus^) a songster of rich 

 and sweet, but melancholy tone of voice. 

 These are a reddish-brown on the upper 

 part of the body, while the breast and 

 sides of the bird are beautifully and regu- 

 larly marked with spots of a dark brown, 

 on a creamy-white ground. The throat 

 is pure white, and the eye of the bird 

 hazel, remarkable for its vivacity of ex- 

 pression. 



