THE THRUSH. 
and tlie rain pouring in torrents, the missel may be seen 
perched on the swaying branch of a tall tree, exercising its 
vocal powers in the maddest way ; nor is its bold nature 
defiant only of storms. The dishonest magpie dare not go- 
“ nesting ” about the missel’s abode, and even the sparrow- 
hawk is anxious to steer out of reach of the long sharp beak,, 
ever ready to defend its eggs or naked little family. 
"While, therefore, I recommend the missel thrush- to the 
reader’s respect, I by no means advise him to take the bird 
to himself as a “ pet.” Large as its house may be, it will 
inevitably manage to grind off its tail to the very stump 
against the bars of its prison, an achievement, as the reader 
will easily understand, by no means conducive to personal 
improvement. Still, however, as there may be those who 
are inclined to keep a bold “ storm- thrush,” it may be as 
well to mention, as regards their food, that as a staple diet 
wheat-bran, made into a stiff paste with water, will serve- 
very well, though they will sing all the better on a more 
generous diet, — such as is allowed the blackbird suiting it 
admirably. 
An eminent naturalist speaks of the missel thrush in highly 
flattering terms : — “ The storm-cock,” says he, “ warbles nearly 
the year throughout. I 
have often heard him 
pour forth his wild and 
plaintive notes in the 
months of August, Octo- 
ber, November, and De- 
cember, and in every 
following month, until the 
sun has entered into Can- 
cer; at which period he 
seems to unstring his 
lyre for a few weeks. 
Towards the close of 
December his song is 
perfectly charming; and it becomes more frequent as the 
new year advances. I remember well (indeed I noted down 
the circumstance), that on December the 21st, 1827, his carol 
was remarkably attractive. He warbled incessantly from the 
top of a lofty elm, just as the poor from a neighbouring village 
were receiving corn under it, in memory of Sfc. Thomas the 
Apcstle.” 
GO 
