TIIE SONG -THRUSH. 
America, the cat-bird. It is a very singular and amusing 
bird, and derives its name from the great resemblance its notes 
bear to the mewing noise made by a cat. It is a very affec- 
tionate little creature, and evinces considerable care and solici- 
tude for its young. The American naturalist, "Wilson, gives us 
some interesting particulars concerning this bird. He says : — 
“ In passing through the woods in summer, I have sometimes 
amused myself with imitating the violent chirping or squeaking 
of young birds, in order to observe what different species were 
around me ; for such sounds at such a season in the woods are 
no less alarming to the feathered tenants of the bushes than 
the cry of fire or murder in the streets is to the inhabitants of 
a large city. 
“ On such occasions of alarm and consternation, the cat- 
bird is the first to make his appearance, not singly, but some- 
times half a dozen at a time, flying from different quarters to 
the spot. At this time, those who are disposed to play with 
his feelings may almost throw him into fits ; his emotions and 
* agitation are so great at the distressful cries of what he sup- 
poses to be his suffering young. 
“ Other birds are variously affected, but none show symp- 
toms of such extreme suffering. He hurries backwards and 
forwards with hanging wings and open mouth, calling out 
louder and faster, and actually screaming with distress, till he 
appears hoarse with his exertions. He attempts no ‘offensive 
means ; but he bewails, he implores, in the most pathetic terms 
with which nature has supplied him, and with an agony of feel- 
ing which is truly affecting. Every feathered neighbour within 
hearing hastens to the spot to learn the cause of the alarm, 
peeping about with looks of consternation and sympathy; 
but their own powerful parental duties and domestic concerns 
soon oblige each to withdraw. At any other season the most 
perfect imitations have no effect whatever on him. 
“ It is a most courageous little creature, and in defence of 
its young is as bold as the mocking-bird. Snakes especially 
are the aversion of the cat-bird, which will generally contrive 
to drive away any snakes that may approach the beloved 
spot.” 
The Song-Thrush. — Its Habitat. — We now come to the 
prince of thrushes, our own native “ song” thrush. This 
jovial musician of the woods is, without doubt, one of the 
most popular. There is no disputing that the song of the 
nightingale — dissected, and its various ingredients separately 
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