130 Mr. Peabody on the 
shire. They are very affectionate to their young, 
and if an accident happens to one of them, the 
whole neighborhood of robins is in alarm. 
The robin is easily domesticated, and soon be- 
comes very fond of its owner. It shows a taste 
and talent for imitation also, which does not appear 
in its wild state. It will not only mock the notes 
of other birds, but will imitate tunes which it has 
often heard. In this state it has been known to 
live for nearly twenty years. 
The Woon 'Tunusu, Turdus mustelinus, is à 
retiring bird, but not so solitary as it is sometimes 
represented. Tt is most partial to shaded glens, where 
it sings toward the close of day. Its note is very 
remarkable ; with notes of no great variety, but clear, 
flowing and silvery as a sweet-toned bell; of all the 
voices of summer there is none so thrilling, particu- 
larly when heard as the shades of night are falling, 
and in scenes of deep repose. Each bird seems to 
have some favorite resort of his own. It is gener- 
ally in some deep hollow, overhung by large trees 
festooned with vines, where the sunbeams at mid- 
day can hardly reach the ground. Here it delights 
to sing ; and no one can hear it without having his 
mind calmed by the spirit-like melody, and the har- 
monious quiet of the scene. 
This bird is a constant resident in Louisiana, but 
whether, or how far it goes beyond the limits of the 
United States, is not known. It comes to us in 
April, performing its migrations in the woods, and 
seldom appearing in the open country. Its nest is 
