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THE MOCKING BIRD. 61 ^ 



from anything vocal, and is capable of imitating with exact- 

 ness, both in measure and accent, the notes of all the feathered 

 race. And, however wild and discordant the tones and calls 

 may be, he contrives with an Orphean talent, peculiarly his 

 own, to infuse into them that sweetness of expression, and 

 harmonious modulation which characterises this inimitable 

 and wonderfnl composer. With the dawn of morning, while 

 yet the sun lingers below the blushing horizon, our sublime 

 songster, in his native wilds, mounted on the topmost branch 

 of a tall tree or bush, pours out his admirable song, which, 

 amidst the multitude of notes from all the warbling host, still 

 rises pre-eminent, so that his solo is heard alone, and all the 

 rest of the musical choir appear employed as mere accom- 

 paniments to this grand actor in the sublime opera of nature. 

 Nor is his talent confined to imitation; his native notes are 

 also bold, full, and perpetually varied, consisting of short ex- 

 pressions of a few variable syllables, interspersed with imita- 

 tions, and uttered with great emphasis and volubility, sometimes 

 for half an hour at a time, with undiminished ardor. These 

 native strains bear a considerable resemblance to those of the 

 brown thrush, with which he is so nearly related in form, 

 habits, and manners ; but like him, rude from cultivated genius, 

 his notes are distinguished by the rapidity of their delivery, their 

 variety, sweetness, and energy. As if conscious of his un- 

 rivalled powers of song, and animated by the harmony of his 

 own voice, his music is, as it were, accompanied by chromatic 

 dancing and expressive gestures; he spreads and closes his 

 light, fanning wings, expands his silvered tail, and, with 

 buoyant gaiety and enthusiastic ecstacy, sweeps around, and 

 mounts and descends into the air from his lofty spray, as his 

 song swells to loudness, or, in sinking whispers, dies away. 

 Wliilc thus engaged, so varied is his talent, that it might be 

 supposed a trial of skill from all the assembled songsters of 

 the air ; and so perfect are his imitations, that even the sports- 

 man is at times deceived, and sent in quest of birds that have 

 no existence around. The feathered tribes themselves are 

 decoyed by the fancied call of their mates ; or dive with fear 



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