PLATE XII. 
The Song-Tlirujh, or Throjlk. 
T 
X HESE birds are indigenous, and are much efteemed for their note, which is fo loud and power- 
ful, that it has been heard for more than half a mile. They perch on the fummit of lofty trees, 
and begin their fong foon after chriftmas, which they continue to the latter part of the fummer: 
and that being moulting feafon, they ceafe to fing. becaufe their health is not then fo perfea as in 
the fpring ; and this, indeed, is the cafe with moft birds. Thrumes may be thought to refemble the 
Red-wing, given in a former plate ; but their nature is quite different. Great numbers are never 
feen together : they are very Ihy, and fwift in their flight. In cages they may eafily be tamed, and 
rendered familiar. Their common food is grubs and caterpillars: and when they are much diftreffed 
by the intenfe cold the produce of hedges contents them. There is a food called German pafte 
which they eat in cages, and alfo fig-duft, both which are very good for them. They are often 
purchafed at a guinea a piece. 
No. IV. 
K 
