BIRDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 301 



and flowing strain, not changeful and capricious like that of 

 the mocking-bird, but uniformly eloquent and sweet. It may 

 be fancy, but the song seems more in harmony with the season 

 than any other, and more resembling what we imagine of the 

 voice of spring. 



In point of strength and intelligence, the brown thrasher is 

 superior to all the birds of its class. It bids defiance to large 

 and powerful birds of prey ; if a cat or a dog come near its 

 nest, it attacks and chases him away ; and the snakes which 

 are tempted to rifle its nest, which is generally on or near the 

 ground, are beaten in such a manner that they are glad to make 

 an early retreat. These birds have many contests among 

 themselves, but if the least alarm is given, they suspend hos- 

 tilities at once and join in hearty alliance against the common 

 foe. As to its intelligence, it appears at once in those which 

 are domesticated. Mr. Bartram observed that one which he 

 reared from the nest, if he found that crusts of bread which 

 were given him as food, were too rough for him to swallow, 

 would take them to his water-dish and soak them. He was 

 also fond of wasps, but before he swallowed them, would ex- 

 amine to see if they had a sting ; and if so, would carefully 

 remove the poison before he ventured to eat them. The food 

 of the brown thrasher consists of insects, worms, berries, and 

 fruits of all descriptions. They are sometimes accused of 

 pulling up the new corn, but this is so seldom done, that it is 

 doubtless accidental, and the grub, instead of the corn, is the 

 object which it aims to secure. 



The nest is built on the ground, or a few feet above it, with 

 small twigs and dry leaves, strips of bark and root fibres. The 

 eggs are of a buff color, thickly sprinkled with dots of brown. 

 Both the male and female sit, but the time of the former is 

 very much occupied in keeping guard against the approach of 

 enemies, which he resists, if it is possible, and if not, attempts 

 to soften to compassion by his plaintive cries. If any one 

 plunders the nest, both parents follow him with alternate im- 

 precations and appeals to his feeling. After the breeding sea- 

 son, they are generally silent, and are found in gardens in great 



