272 INSECTIVOILE. 



bounty for another year is announced, at the very time when 

 we have been sharing most plentifully the fruits of the year 

 which has gone by. For some time the song of the bird 

 alternates with those varying winds which at that season 

 shake the earth, and sometimes uproot the trees, though they 

 also mollify the clods. When the black cloud comes over, 

 and the sleet pelts, or the snow drives, the bird glides down 

 to his shelter ; but as soon as it is over, he is again on his 

 perch and at his song, nor does he cease till other choristers 

 have come to bear their part in that morning song with 

 which the children of nature welcome in the year. 



The breeding-time of course varies a little, both with the 

 situation and the season ; but the average periods may be 

 reckoned about the middle of March for the building of the 

 nest, and April for the hatching of the eggs. The male 

 continues his song till then, after which it is heard no more 

 during the summer. 



The nest is usually made in the fork of a tree, the more 

 moss-grown the better; because that harmonizes with and 

 helps to conceal the nest itself, which is formed of lichens, 

 mosses, and twigs externally, partially combined with, and 

 rendered more close and substantial by, an intermixture of 

 earth. The interior is lined with softer materials fine dry 

 grass, hair, or wool, according as the one or the other is more 

 easily procured. The eggs rarely, if ever, exceed five ; they 

 are flesh-colour, mottled with rusty brown ; and the birds do 

 not seek the seclusion of the deep and lonely woods, but will 

 build in the orchard, or the garden, though very near to the 

 house, if they find there the tree best suited to their purpose. 



The male of the missel-thrush is not a mere idle songster. 

 He takes turn with his mate in the labour of incubation ; he 

 feeds her, and assists in feeding the young ; and he is equally 

 vigilant and bold in the defence of his family. The call-note 

 which he utters in case of danger, and which is answered by 



