CAT-BIRD. 39 
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 ardund me, 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 city. 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 
agitation are so great, at the distressful cries of what he supposes to be 
his suffering young. Other birds are variously affected ; but none show 
symptoms of such extreme suffering. He hurries backwards and for- 
wards, 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 offensive means ; but he bewails, he im- 
plores, in the most pathetic terms with which nature has supplied him, 
and with an agony of feeling which is truly affecting. Every feathered 
neighbor within hearing hastens to the place to learn the cause of the 
alarm, peeping about with looks of consternation and sympathy. But 
their own powerful parental duties and domestic concerns soon oblige 
each to withdraw. At any other season, the most perfect imitations 
have no effect whatever on him. 
The Cat-bird will not easily desert its nest. I took two eggs from 
one which was sitting, and in their place put two of the Brown Thrush, 
or Thrasher ; and took my stand at a convenient distance to see how 
she would behave. In a minute or two the male made his approaches, 
stooped down and looked earnestly at the strange eggs ; then flew off to 
his mate, who was not. far distant, with whom he seemed to have some 
conversation, and instantly returning, with the greatest gentleness took 
out both the Thrasher's eggs, first one and then the other, carried them 
singly about thirty yards, and dropped them among the bushes. I then 
returned the two eggs I had taken, and soon after the female resumed her 
place on the nest as before. 
From the nest of another Cat-bird I took two half fledged young, 
and placed them in that of another which was sitting on five eji'iis. She 
soon turned them both out. The place Avhere the nest was, not being 
far from the ground, they were little injured, and the male observing 
their helpless situation, began to feed them with great assiduity and 
tenderness. 
I removed the nest of a Cat-bird, which contained four eggs, nearly 
hatched, from a fox-grape vine, and fixed it firmly and carefully in a 
thicket of briars close by, without injuring its contents. In less than 
half an hour I returned, and found it again occupied by the female. 
