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. Birds of Massachusetts. 125 
The Brown Tarussa or Turasuer, Turdus ru- 
fus, must be regarded as the finest of our singing 
birds. It is also very common, though not as famil- 
iar as some others. From the time of its arrival, 
about the first of May, it may be seen, on the high 
twig of some tall tree, pouring out its soul in a full . 
and flowing strain, not changeful and capricious, like 
that of the mocking-bird, but uniformly eloquent and 
sweet. It may be fancy, but the song seems more 
in harmony with the season than any other, and 
more resembling what we imagine of the voice of 
spring. 
In point of strength and intelligence, the brown 
thrasher is superior to all the birds of its class. It 
bids defiance to large and powerful birds of prey ; if 
a cat or a dog come near its nest, it attacks and 
chases him away ; and the snakes which are tempt- 
ed to rifle its nest, which is generally on or near the 
ground, are beaten in such a manner that they are 
glad to make an early retreat. These birds have 
many contests among themselves, but if the least 
alarm is given, they suspend hostilities at once, and 
join in hearty alliance against the common foe. As 
to its intelligence, it appears at once in those which 
are domesticated. Mr. Bartram observed that one 
which he reared from the nest, if he found that 
crusts of bread, which were given him as food, were 
too rough for him to swallow, would take them to 
his water-dish and soak them. He was also fond of 
Wasps, but before he swallowed them, would exam- 
ine to see if they had a sting; and if so, would 
carefully remove the poison before he ventured to 
