THE THRUSH. 49 



best singers of the feathered race. The Mocking Bird 

 is of the Thrush kind. 



THE MOCKING BIRD, 



How large is the Mocking Bird ? 



The Mocking Bird is nine inches long, and with its 

 wings spread, thirteen inches in extent. 



What is the colour of this bird ? 



Its colour, along the upper part of the neck, and 

 down the back, is ash brown ; the tail and wings are 

 nearly black, and the throat, and under parts, white. 



Where is the Mocking Bird found ? 



This bird is found in most parts of America, from 

 New England to Brazil. 



Why is this called the Mocking Bird ? 



The name of this bird very properly expresses its 

 principal quality, that of mocking, or imitating the 

 songs 'and notes of other birds. 



This bird is a native of America, and in its wild state 

 is no where else to be found. As a natural, and un- 

 taught songster, it stands unrivalled among the feath- 

 ered creation ; there being no bird capable of uttering 

 such a variety of tones, or of giving equal entertain- 

 ment to an audience. 



The Mocking Bird builds her. nest on some tree not 

 far from the habitations of men. Sometimes an apple 

 tree standing alone answers her purpose, and she pla- 

 ces it not far from the ground. But if these birds are 

 not careful to conceal their habitation, the male is al- 

 ways ready to defend it ; for neither cat, dog, man, nor 

 any other animal can come near, while the female is 

 setting, without meeting wiith a sudden and violent at- 

 tack. The cat, in particular, is an object of the most 



