SPRING AT THE CAPITAL. 173 



notes the most discordant that ever broke the sylvan 

 silence. Now he barks like a puppy, then quacks 

 like a duck, then rattles like a kingfisher, then squalls 

 like a fox, then caws like a crow, then mews like a 

 cat. Now he calls as if to be heard a long way off, 

 then changes his key, as if addressing the specta- 

 tor. Though very shy, and carefully keeping himself 

 screened when you show any disposition to get a bet- 

 ter view, bft will presently, if you remain quiet, ascend 

 a twig, or hop out on a branch in plain sight, lop his 

 tail, droop his wings, cock his head, and become very 

 melodramatic. In less than half a minute he darts 

 into the bushes again, and again tunes up, no French- 

 man rclling his r's so fluently. C-r-r-r-r-r, whrr, 

 that 's it, chee, quack, cluck, yit-yit-yit, 

 now hit it, tr-r-r-r, when, caw, caw, cut, 

 cut, tea-boy, who, who, mew, mew, and so on 

 till you are tired of listening. Observing one very 

 closely one day, I discovered that he was limited to 

 six notes or changes, which he went through in reg- 

 ular order, scarcely varying a note in a dozen repe- 

 titions. Sometimes, when a considerable distance off, 

 he will fly down to have a nearer view of you. And 

 such a curious, expressive flight, legs extended, 

 head lowered, wings rapidly vibrating, the whole 

 action piquant and droll ! 



The chat is an elegant bird both in form and color. 

 Its plumage is remarkably firm and compact Color 

 tbov<", light olive-green ; beneath, bright yellow 

 beak, black and strong. 



