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- 



