235 



creatures fly in large flocks, so that the groves which 

 produce the richest spices, produce the finest birds 

 also. They are called by some, the swallows of 

 Ternate from their rapid flight, and from their being 

 continually upon the wing, in pursuit of insects, their 

 usual prey. 



The American Mock-bird does not vie with the 

 feathered inhabitants of that country in the beauty of 

 his plumage. It is a plain bird about the size of a 

 thrush, of a white and grey colour, and a reddish 

 bill. It is possessed not only of its own 'natural 

 notes, which are musical and solemn, but can assume 

 the tone of every other animal iu the wood, from 

 the wolf to the raven. It seems even to sport , itself 

 in leading them astray. It will at one time allure 

 the lesser birds with the call of their males, and ter- 

 rify them when they come near with the screams of 

 the eagle. There is no bird in the forest, but it can 

 mimic ; and there is none that it has not at times de- 

 ceived by its call. But it is surest to please, when it 

 is most itself. 



At those times it frequents the houses of the Ame* 

 rican planters, and sitting all night on the chimney, 

 top, pours forth the sweetest and the most various 

 notes of any bird whatever. 



The Crane, is above three feet from the tip of the 

 beak to the tail, and four feet from the head to the 

 toe. It is a tall, slender bird, with a long neck and 

 long legs. The top of the head is covered with black 

 bristles, and the back of it is bald and red, which suffi- 

 ciently distinguishes this bird from the stork, to which 

 it is very nearly allied in size and figure. 



Cranes were formerly known in this island,and held 

 in great estimation for the delicacy of their ilesh : 

 there was even a penalty upon such as destroyed their 

 eggs ; but at present, they never go so fav out uf 

 their, way. 



