146 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
may be seen, in spring, running along the newly 
ploughed furrows in search of them. 
111. During the summer, such large flocks of 
them are often seen, that they appear like a dark 
cloud ; and when they settle upon a tree, notwith- 
standing the greenness of the foliage, the predomi- 
nant colour is black. The note of the Blackbird is 
sometimes harsh, and at others very clear and shrill, 
and may be heard at a great distance. 
THE CUCKOO. 
112. The head, neck, back, wings and tail of 
the Cuckoo are of a reddish-brown colour, but the 
breast and belly are white. 
113. Monotonous as its song is, yet it is always 
heard with a sort of pleasure, as it is sent forth from 
the thickets ; for this bird is so exceedingly shy that 
he never sings unless in some covered situation. 
114. In England, there is a popular superstition 
that he who hears the Cuckoo before he has heard 
the nightingale, will be unsuccessful in love. To 
this Milton elegantly alludes in his Sonnet to the 
Nightingale. 
Describe the Cuckoo. What is said of its song ? of a popular 
superstition in England ? 
