THE BIRD OF SOLITUDE. 25 



about his surroundings. He prefers woods 

 where no grass grows, since he never seeks his 

 worms in the sod, as does the robin. No lawn, 

 however tempting, is the scene of his labors. 

 In a certain park where I have frequently 

 watched him, he is bold in looking for food; 

 coming within three feet of a person while 

 gathering the crumbs he has learned to expect 

 on the walks, and though keeping a watchful 

 eye upon one, not disturbed so long as the ob- 

 server is still. But when this variation upon 

 his usual fare is secured, he retires to a spot 

 more remote from park frequenters, to sing, and 

 in due time to establish his home. 



He is one of the most intelligent of our birds, 

 and absolutely seems to reason. He plainly 

 does not take your motives for granted, but re- 

 serves his decision till he has studied you or has 

 seen some indication of your intentions. He 

 looks you squarely in the face, with perfect 

 calmness ; not turning his head on one side, and 

 never becoming uneasy under your most steady 

 gaze. He is graceful and elegant in movement 

 and refined in his manners, and every one who 

 has attentively observed birds will know that 

 these are genuine distinctions. 



Then he is a paragon of good temper. One 

 cannot conceive of a thrush as ruffled with pas- 

 sion, quarreling with his neighbor, or driving 



