OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 27 



generally recognize this species, has been rare 

 in Eastern Pennsylvania, of late years. For- 

 merly, it was more abundant. In some obscure 

 and unfrequented nook, we have occasionally 

 observed a mated pair. Such retirement as is 

 met with in the small valleys which nestle 

 among the Wissahickon hills, is its chief delight. 

 Unlike its former self, it now shuns rather than 

 courts the society of man. A friend of consider- 

 able experience informs us, that twenty years ago it 

 was exceedingly common in Germantown, before 

 the arts and appliances of a spreading civilization 

 had usurped the wild retreats of nature. Then it 

 would occasionally charm us with its choicest 

 songs, and favor us with its presence by building 

 within our orchards. 



It certainly is a late comer; its presence being 

 unobserved before the beginning of May. On its 

 arrival it seeks a partner and commences nidifica- 

 tion. But a single brood is reared in a season. 

 In details of structure and in nest-materials, a 

 marked resemblance to the Cat Bird, the Mimus 

 carolinensis of Gray, is distinctly noticeable. 



Both parent-birds are strongly attached to each 

 other, and extremely sedulous in their attentions 

 to their young. During incubation and sub- 

 sequently, they display great pertinacity and 

 courage when assailed by enemies. Diptera, 

 mosquitoes, butterflies, larvae of non-irritating 

 properties, earthworms, and berries of divers kinds, 

 constitute their dietary. The period of incubation 



