MERULINiE, OR THRUSHES. 75 
on the approach of winter, while the birds which 
congregate into large flocks are always remarkably 
shy, and difficult to be approached, the flock being 
on the alert the moment the note of alarm has 
been uttered by one more watchful than the rest. 
Their cry or note is harsh and sharp, or shrill and 
monotonous, except during the season of incuba- 
tion ; at this period the notes of some are remark- 
ably pensive and melancholy, while others possess 
considerable compass of voice, accompanied with 
great melody. On this account they are univer- 
sal favourites, and in all countries are listened to 
with pleasure, and with feelings which recall many 
recollections and associations of days which had 
long passed away. Their melodies, however, do 
not save them from varied persecutions. In many 
countries they are used for food, and are taken in 
the south of Europe by various snares for this 
purpose ; and in North America the destruction 
of some of the species is described by Wilson to 
be immense. In geographical distribution, the 
genus will range extensively in every quarter of 
the world ; but the greatest numbers seem con- 
fined to regions of a moderate degree of tempera- 
ture. Europe possesses twelve * species authen- 
tically described, of which our British list can now 
boast of seven individuals. We have selected 
for an illustration a very beautiful and perfectly 
typical species. 
* See Temm. Supp. 
