50 THE THRUSH. 



inveterate hatred, and is tormented with such repeated 

 assaults, as generally to make her escape without de- 

 lay. 



The black snake is another deadly enemy, and when 

 found lurking about the nest, is sure to meet with a 

 sound drubbing, and does well to come off even with 

 this ; for the male sometimes darts- upon it with such 

 fury, and strikes it on the head with such force, as to 

 leave it dead on the field of battle. 



Having destroyed his enemy, this courageous bird 

 flies to the tree which contains his nest, and his com- 

 panion, and seating himself on the highest branch, 

 pours forth his best song in token of victory. 



Although the plumage of the Mocking Bird is not 

 so beautiful as that of many others, his slim and well 

 made figure entitles him to a respectable standing for 

 looks among his feathered brethren. But it is not his 

 appearance, but his song, that raises him so high in 

 the estimation of man, and fixes his value above that 

 of almost any other bird. 



A stranger who hears this songster for the first time, 

 listens to him with perfect astonishment. His voice 

 is clear, strong, full, and of such compass as to enable 

 him to imitate the notes of every other bird he has 

 ever heard. He also has a most remarkable memory, 

 for when there is not another songster in his hearing, 

 he will recollect and repeat the spngs of nearly every 

 bird in the forest. This he does with such truth, 

 passing from one song to another, with such surpris- 

 ing rapidity, that one who did not see him, and know 

 the secret, would believe that half the feathered crea- 

 tion had assembled to hold a musical festival. Nor 



