516 CLASS AVES. 



mage has many traits of conformity in colour and distri- 

 bution. 



The redwings and fieldfares seldom appear among us until 

 autumn, remain during the winter, and live in large flocks. 

 They scarcely ever nestle here, and depart in spring, as they 

 arrived in autumn, in numerous assemblages. As they quit 

 us at the epoch of pairing, we are not acquainted with their 

 love-notes. Often, previously to their departure, they are 

 heard chirping all together, but in this loud noisy concert it 

 would be vain to seek for harmony. 



In all the species the males and females are of the same size, 

 and their livery is pretty similar. The colours, however, are 

 more lively and better defined in the males. Berries, fruit, 

 and insects constitute the food of all. To these aliments they 

 join earth-worms, in the pursuit of which they are observed to 

 be very eager after rain. They also feed on snails, which, 

 during winter, they seek in those places most exposed to the 

 sun. 



Their flesh is excellent for eating, especially that of the 

 thrush, and the redwing when fat. In the vintage time, in the 

 southern countries, it especially acquires that delicacy and 

 exquisite flavour which occasion this small game to be much 

 sought after by gourmands. Among the Romans it was in 

 high esteem. It is said to possess qualities which, if real, 

 should render it still more estimable. It excites, say its eulo- 

 gizers, the appetite, fortifies the stomach, improves the juices, 

 and is easy of digestion. It is, therefore, considered as pecu- 

 liarly wholesome for convalescent subjects. It never produces 

 any bad effect, provided it be not eaten to excess. It has been 

 also thought in medicine to be an excellent anti-epileptic; 

 this quality it is said to derive from the bird feeding on mistle- 

 toe, to which the same virtue has been attributed. 



It may not be unamusing to our readers to notice the manner 

 in which the Romans, with whom thrushes held the first rank 



