42 THE MOCKING-BIRD. 



that he may peep into the nests. The cassique 

 may be said to be a model of symmetry in orni- 

 thology, the proportions are so fine. On each 

 wing he has a bright yellow spot, and his rump, 

 belly, and half the tail, are of the same colour: 

 all the rest of the body is black. His beak is 

 the colour of sulphur, but it fades in death."* 



This bird defends its eggs and young, with 

 singular courage, from the attacks of its enemies, 

 whether birds of prey or reptiles. In Audubon's 

 magnificent work on the birds of America, is a 

 beautiful picture of mocking-birds, defending 

 their nest from a rattlesnake. Mr. A. has been 

 studying the habits of the birds of his country, 

 in the midst of their native haunts, for twenty- 

 five years, it is said ; and his animated sketches 

 are made from the life, and tell their own story 

 to the eye of the spectator. 



THE MOCKING-BIRD. 



Beneath the mighty forest oak, 

 Unshaken by the woodman's stroke, 

 With heat and weariness oppress'd, 

 The western traveller sinks to rest, 



And listens, from his sheltering tree, 

 Bird of a thousand songs, to thee. 



* See Waterton's Wanderings, p. 117- 



