244 THE THRUSH 



of its nest ; but it has recently been ascertained that the 

 Squirrel also sucks the eggs. 



Its song is beautiful, flooding the woods far and near, 

 with its rich fluty tones. It sings from the highest 

 branches of trees, sitting quietly meanwhile, as if itself 

 steeped in the dreamy rapture of its own performance. 



The Song Thrush in Scotland is called the Mavis. 

 This is strange as it is the Redwing which is known in 

 France under the name of Mauvis. The song of the 

 Blackbird is often confused with that of the Thrush; 

 yet that of the latter is a very distinctive one, because 

 in the middle of a strain of song there is the repetition 

 of its three chief notes. You will seem to hear it saying 

 " Pretty dear, pretty dear," or " Wait a bit, wait a bit." 



We must own that the Thrush is a very active thief, 

 although it does feed much on insects, worms, and 

 snails. It is absolutely necessary to protect one's fruit 

 against this depredator. 



Shakespeare speaks of the " throstle with his note- 

 so true," and Clare wrote 



" And thrushes too 'gan clear their throats, 

 And get by heart some two 'r three notes 

 Of their intended summer song." 



But Browning still more finely enters into the spirit of 



this bird's song : 



" That's the wise thrush ; he sings each song twice over,. 



Lest you should think he never can recapture 



The first, fine, careless rapture ! " 



