90 
SONG THRUSH. 
region — they are listened to as indications of the 
changes of the weather — and to point out where 
some wild crop of a useful and important vegetable 
or fruit may be found ; or in the times of recreation, 
of weariness, or distress, they exhilarate or soothe 
the feelings, and create associations, upon which 
every mind loves long to dwell. Every country 
also has its favourite songster among the feathered 
tribes. The bulbul of eastern tale, the nightin- 
gale of our own land, hold prominent ranks ; artd 
the cheerful melody of the common Song-Thrush, 
in a balmy evening of spring, cheers the early 
labourer, and is listened to with a delight and 
quiet pleasure which is felt by all. The nightin- 
gale (redwing) of Norway, and the wood-thrush 
of America, seem, in their respective countries, to 
awaken similar feelings and associations. Most 
of the thrushes, during the breeding season, utter 
a song grateful to the ear, while some of them, at 
this time, utter notes clear and deep toned, and 
possessing peculiar melody. They have also the 
peculiarity of selecting some elevated spot to 
utter their song, and the same spot is chosen day 
after day to resume their music. Our own bird, 
when pairing, may daily be found perched on the 
summit of a tree, generally the most elevated in 
the wood, pouring out with swelling throat his 
loud clear melody, which ceases during mid-day, 
but is again commenced with the declining sun. 
If the day is of that character which we often 
feel depressing in the spring and fall, dull, un- 
naturally warm and close, the song is often con- 
