MAY. 



79 



M. His plumage is a dark slate color. 



H. It is the Cat bird ; when alarmed, he 

 makes that curious noise, something like the 

 mewing of the cat. 



M. It is a singular cry ; but he has changed 

 his note. He can sing, if he has a mind ; his 

 notes are now pleasant, but the poor bird 

 sings as though he was almost choked with 

 grief. 



H. Their songs are said to be variable, 

 some being much finer singers than others 



M. O, these rocks are covered with the 

 Scarlet Columbine, growing from the clefts 

 and crevices. 



H. And in company with them is the Sax- 

 afrage, with its white, sweet scented flowers. 



M. Hark, brother ! do you hear the song 

 of that bird ? it exceeds anything we have 

 heard. He makes the thickets ring with his 

 melodious and varied notes. 



