284 
WILD SCENES AND SONG-BIRDS, 
Wilson and Audubon Iiave both some toucHng passages, 
which go so strikingly to illustrate the exceeding amiability 
and sympathetic tenderness of this most gentle but perse- 
cuted creature, that I cannot refrain from giving them as a 
plea on its behalf. 
Wilson says : " In passing through the woods in summer, 
I have sometimes amused myself with imitating the violent 
chirping or squeaking of young birds, in order to observe 
what different species were around — for such sounds, at such 
a season, in the woods, are no less alarming to the feathered 
tenants of the bushes, than the cry of fire or murder in the 
streets is to the inhabitants of a large and populous cit}^ 
"On such occasions of alarm and consternation, the cat-bird 
is the first to make his appearance, not singly, but sometimes 
half-a-dozen at a time^ flying from different quarters to the 
spot. At this time, those who are disposed to play with his 
feelings may almost throw him into fits, his emotion and agi- 
tation are so great at the distressing cries of what he supposes 
to be his suffering young. 
" Other birds are variously affected, but none show symp- 
toms of such extreme suffering. He hurries backwards and 
forwards, with hanging wings and open mouth, calling out 
louder and faster, and actually screaming with distress, till 
he appears hoarse with his exertions. He attempts no offen- 
sive means, but he bewails, he implores in the most pathetic 
terms with Avhich nature has supplied him, and with an agony 
of feeling wdiich is truly affecting. Every feathered neigh- 
bor within hearing hastens to the place, to learn the cause 
of the alarm, peeping about with looks of consternation and 
svmpathy. But their own powerful parental duties and do- 
mestic concerns soon oblige each to withdraw. At other 
seasons, the most perfect imitations have no effect whatever 
upon him." 
Wilson, also, in a note from Mr. Bartram, gives a fine in- 
stance of the courage of the cat-bird in defending its nest, 
and even the very neighborhood thereof I have witnessed 
