A NORTHERN NIGHT- 

 INGALE 



HOW many years ago the cat-bird re- 

 ceived his name history does not 

 exactly record. But it was all on 

 account of his scolding, mewling cry when 

 disturbed in the thickets where his nest was 

 built. Just so soon as an intruder's footstep 

 came near his retreat he was out and com- 

 plaining about it. It did not matter whether 

 the stranger was merely a curious observer, 

 anxious to study the habits and peculiarities 

 of the slate-colored songster, or a prowling 

 boy intent on robbing nests. The presence of 

 the disturbing element of man was enough, 

 and the bird's feline protestations gave him 

 the name which has clung to him ever since. 

 And a very misleading and inappropriate 

 cognomen it is, too. The cat-bird is of the 

 mocking-thrush family, and enjoys the dis- 

 tinction of being full first cousin to the mock- 

 ing-bird, and is himself a mimic of no little 

 120 



