THE THRUSH. 239 



beauty of whose tints are so completely striking, that 

 they at once please and gratify the sight; therefore we 

 shall merely mention the American mock-bird, which pe- 

 culiarly charms by the sweetness of its note : this bird, 

 in size, resembles the thrush, of a grey and white co- 

 lour, with a reddish bill ; but that which renders it so 

 completely extraordinary, is its being able to imitate 

 the voice of bird, and beast, and that with such a de- 

 gree of exactness, that it is impossible to distinguish 

 the original from the cheat. 



OF THE NIGHTINGALE AND OTHER SOFT-BILLED 

 SONG BIRDS. 



The nightingale is not only famous amongst the mo- 

 derns, but was celebrated by the ancients for the sweet- 

 ness of its strains ; and Pliny tells us that, for fifteen 

 days and nights, it continues its notes, concealed in the 

 thickest shades. The tones produced by this enchanting 

 little warbler are modulated into the softest and most de- 

 lightful strains, at once so plaintive and melodious, that 

 it is impossible to listen to them and remain unmoved. 



This most famous of the feathered tribe visits England 

 the beginning of April, and in August takes its flight : 

 but it is only to be found in the southern parts of the 

 country; and in Scotland, Ireland, and North Wales, 

 is never to be seen. Their favourite haunts are low 

 coppices and thick hedges^ and for weeks together, if 

 undisturbed, they will remain on the same tree. 



In the beginning of May the nightingale prepares its 

 nest, which is composed of moss, straw, and leaves ; 

 and as it is concealed at the bottom of the thickest 

 bushes, it generally escapes the plundering hands of 

 boys. Whilst the female continues sitting, her mate 

 soothes her with his voice from some contiguous bush, 



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