72 WILD NATURE IN STRATHEARN 



The Blackbird may be said to rival the Mavis in 

 his early song and early rising. He is said to be 

 the true harbinger of spring, singing his song long 

 before the leaves are upon the trees, often in frost 

 and snow, and when no other bird voice but that 

 of the plaintive robin is to be heard. 



" Merry it is in the good green wood 



When the Mavis and Merle are singing." 

 The song of the Blackbird varies. In the 

 early morning, sometimes as early as two o'clock, 

 it may be heard, clear, loud, and sonorous, 

 and again at mid-day. At the close of 

 departing day the song has always appeared 

 to me to be more mellow, without the harsh 

 notes introduced in the morning. At any time it 

 is a delightful song, of great power and compass, 

 with a flute-like tone which we do not have in the 

 Thrush ; but it wants the variety and spirit of the 

 latter's song. It is Tennyson who sings 



" O Blackbird ! sing me something well ; 



While all the neighbours shoot the round, 

 I keep smooth plots of fruitful ground, 

 Where thou may'st warble, eat. and dwell." 



