J 14 A HISTORY OF 



Having thus given a general idea of the birds of this class, it win 

 nvoper to give some account of the most remarkable among thenri 



CHAPTER II. 



OP THE THKUSH AND ITS AFFINITIES. 



WITH the Thrush we may rank the red-wing, the fieldfare, the black* 

 bi.d, the ring-ousel, and the water-ouzel. 



These are the largest of the sparrow kind, and may be distinguished 

 from ull others of this class, as well by their size, which is well known, 

 as by their bills, which are a little bending at the point; a small notch 

 near xhe end of the upper chap, and the outmost toe adhering as far as 

 the fust joint of the middle toe. To this tribe may also be added the 

 stare or starling, which, though with a flat bill, too much resembles these 

 birds to be placed any where else. 



The Missel-Thrush is distinguished from all of -the kind by its supe- 

 rior size, being much larger than any one of them. It differs scarcely 

 in any other respect from the throstle, except that the spots on the 

 breast are larger. It builds its nest in bushes, or on the side of some 

 tree, as all of this kind are found to do, and lays four or five eggs in a 

 season. Its song is very fine, which it begins in spring, sitting on the 

 summit of a high tree. It is the largest bird of all the feathered tribe 

 that has music in its voice; the note of all greater birds being either 

 screaming, chattering, or croaking. It feeds on insects, holly, and 

 mistletoe-berries ; and sometimes sends forth a very disagreeable scream 

 when frightened or disturbed. 



The blackbird, which, in cold countries, and particularly upon the 

 Alps, is sometimes seen all over white, is a beautiful and canorous bird, 

 whistling all the spring and summer time with a note, at a distance the 

 most pleasing of all the grove. It is the deepest toned warbler of the 

 woods; but it is rather unpleasant in a cage, being loud and deafening. 

 It lays four or five bluish eggs, in a nest usually built at the stump o( 

 some old hawthorn, well plastered on the inside with clay, straw, and 

 hair. 



Pleasing, however, as this bird may be, the bluebird, described by 

 Bellonius, is in every respect far superior. This beautiful animal en- 

 lirely resembles the blackbird in all but its blue colour. It lives in the 

 highest parts of the Alps, and even there chooses the most craggy 

 rocks and the most frightful precipices for its residence. As it is rarely 

 caught, it is in high estimation even in the countries where it breeds, 

 but still more valuable when carried from home. It not only whistles 

 m the most delightful manner, but speaks with an articulate dis- 

 uncx voice. It is so docile, and observes all things with such dili- 

 gence, that though waked at midnight by any of the family, it will 

 tpeak and whistle at the word of command. In colour about the be- 



