90 SONG THRUSH. 



region they are listened to as indications of the 

 changes of the weather and to point out where 

 some wild crop of a useful and important vegetable 

 or fruit may be found; or in the times of recreation, 

 of weariness, or distress, they exhilarate or soothe 

 the feelings, and create associations, upon which 

 every mind loves long to dwell. Every country 

 also has its favourite songster among the feathered 

 tribes. The bulbul of eastern tale, the nightin- 

 gale of our own land, hold prominent ranks ; and 

 the cheerful melody of the common Song-Thrush, 

 in a balmy evening of spring, cheers the early 

 labourer, and is listened to with a delight and 

 quiet pleasure which is felt by all. The nightin- 

 gale (redwing) of Norway, and the wood-thrush 

 of America, seem, in their respective countries, to 

 awaken similar feelings and associations. Most 

 of the thrushes, during the breeding season, utter 

 a song grateful to the ear, while some of them, at 

 this time, utter notes clear and deep toned, and 

 possessing peculiar melody. They have also the 

 peculiarity of selecting some elevated spot to 

 utter their song, and the same spot is chosen day 

 after day to resume their music. Our own bird, 

 when pairing, may daily be found perched on the 

 summit of a tree, generally the most elevated in 

 the wood, pouring out with swelling throat his 

 loud clear melody, which ceases during mid-day, 

 but is again commenced with the declining sun. 

 If the day is of that character which we often 

 feel depressing in the spring and fall, dull, un- 

 naturally warm and close, the song is often con- 



