BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 



39 



This is his throne, which he mounts, and where he 

 eclipses all the songsters of the grove with his wonder- 

 ful and varied music, and at the same time can over- 

 look the hedge, which he considers his exclusive prop- 

 erty. 



The fruit of the Spanish-bayonet is about the size of 

 the banana, and grows in a large cluster at the' top of 

 the plant. When fully ripe it is soft and sweet, and 

 highly relished by many birds. The cardinal-grossbeak, 

 long-billed thrush, and the catbird, as well as the mock- 

 ing-bird, are all fond of the fruit, and sometimes attempt 

 to plunder; but while this tyrant mocking king is on 

 guard, no bird except his mate is allowed to touch it. 



THB MUCKING-BIKD. 



His throne forms a very pretty arbor, where he re- 

 tires at night and during rainy days. When he is away 



