THE MOCKING-BIRD. 531 



In the South of Europe this species is much sought after, on 

 account of the exquisite flavour which its flesh acquires from living 

 on myrtle and juniper berries. 



The Ring Blackbird (Merula torquata] differs from the kind we 

 have just noticed in being of larger size, and in evincing a predilec- 

 tion for mountainous countries. It sings very agreeably, and in 

 France is found on the high summits of the Vosges, the Alps, and 

 the Pyrenees. 



The Solitary Blackbird (merle bleu of the French) is remarkable 



Fig. 241. The Mocking-bird. 



for the deep blue colour of its plumage. It frequents the same re- 

 gions as the bird last described, and its habits are nearly the same, 

 but it is wilder in its nature, and its song is even still more charming. 

 We read in the chronicles of his time that Francis I. was never weary 

 of listening to the strains of one he possessed. This bird is common 

 in the South of Europe, and the whole of the Levant, and when it is 

 tamed acquires considerable value. 



Of all the various species of the Merulidce. the one which is un- 

 questionably the most favoured, as regards its vocal powers, is the 

 Mocking-bird, or Polyglot Thrush (Mimus polyglottus. Fig. 241), 

 native of North America, and chiefly of the Southern States. Its 

 notes are so melodious that the conscientious Audubon does not 



