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Birds. 



with itg head downwards. Even on land the bird walks 

 awkwardly, as its feet are best adapted for the slippery 

 stones on which it passes the greater part of its life, 

 watching for the insects which it picks up on the edge 

 of the water. Its movements under water are really 

 performed by means of the wings, the bird positively 

 flying through the water. When disturbed, it usually 

 flirts up its tail, and makes a chirping noise. Its song 

 in spring is said to be very pretty. In some places this 

 bird is supposed to be migratory. 



THE BLACKBIRD. (Turdus Merula.) 



" The smiling morn, the breathing spring, 

 Invite the tuneful birds to sing ; 

 Arid, while they warble from each spray, 

 Love melts the universal lay." 



MALLET. 



THIS well-known songster does not soar up to the clouds, 

 like the lark, to make his voice resound through the air ; 

 but keeps to the shady groves, which he fills with his 

 melodious notes. Early at dawn, and late at dusk, he 

 continues his pleasing melody ; and when incarcerated 

 in the narrow space of a cage, still cheerful and merry, 

 he strives to repay the kindness of his keeper by singing 

 to him his natural strains; and beguiles his irksome 

 hours of captivity by studying and imitating his mas- 

 ter's whistle. Blackbirds build their nests with great 

 art, making the outside of moss and slender twigs, 



