SINGING BIRDS. 
190 
of the Brown Thrush, to whom he is so nearly related in form, 
habits, and manners ; but, like nide from cultivated genius, his 
notes are distinguished by the rapidity of their delivery, their 
variety, sweetness, and energy. As if conscious of his unri- 
valled powers of song, and animated by the harmony of his 
own voice, his music is, as it were, accompanied by chromatic 
dancing and expressive gestures; he spreads and closes his 
light and fanning wings, expands his silvered tail, and with 
buoyant gayety and enthusiastic ecstasy he sweeps around, and 
mounts and descends into the air from his lofty spray as his 
song swells to loudness or dies away in sinking whispers. 
While thus engaged, so various is his talent that it might be 
supposed a trial of skill from all the assembled birds of the 
country ; and so perfect are his imitations that even the 
sportsman is at times deceived, and sent in quest of birds that 
have no existence around him. The feathered tribes them- 
selves are decoyed by the fancied call of their mates, or dive 
with fear into the close thicket at the well-feigned scream of 
the Hawk. 
Soon reconciled to the usurping fancy of man, the Mocking 
Bird often becomes familiar with his master ; playfully attacks 
him through the bars of his cage, or at large in a room ; rest- 
less and capricious, he seems to try ever)' expedient of a lively 
imagination that may conduce to his amusement. Nothing 
escapes his discerning and intelligent eye or faithful ear. He 
whistles perhaps for the dog, who, deceived, runs to meet his 
master; the cries of the chicken in distress bring out the 
clucking mother to the protection of her brood. The barking 
of the dog, the piteous wailing of the puppy, the mewing of 
the cat, the action of a saw, or the creaking of a wheelbarrow, 
quickly follow with exactness. He repeats a tune of consider- 
able length ; imitates the warbling of the Canary, the lisping 
of the Indigo Bird, and the mellow whistle of the Cardinal, in 
a manner so superior to the originals that, mortified and aston- 
ished, they withdraw from his presence, or listen in silence as 
he continues to triumph by renewing his efforts. 
In the cage also, nearly as in the woods, he is full of life and 
action while engaged in song, throwing himself round with in- 
