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CHAPTER HI. 



MINOR-BIRD. Turdus minor. 



This large and handsome East Indian 

 bird, is frequently found in this country, 

 to which he is brought by our "homeward- 

 bound" vessels, and where he brings ex- 

 travagant prices. He is a true Thrush in 

 all his manners and habits, and is equally 

 celebrated for the loudness and almost 

 overpowering vivacity of his song, for the 

 ease and beauty with which he imitates 

 the songs of different birds and musical 

 composition, and for his talent for ac- 

 quiring knguage. 



In the cage he is likewise easily kept, 

 being fed upon the same food as our 

 Thrushes and Mocking-birds, and is as 

 docile and affectionate to his owner and 

 the different members of the family, whom 

 he soon learns to distinguish. Here he 





