THE MOCKING-BIRD. 
of the planter’s house, where, surrounded by the richest scenery, 
and embowered amidst thousands of beautiful flowers, they 
build their nest. The female selects the spot, the male the 
while attending and aiding her in her choice. The golden 
orange, the beautiful magnolias and bignonias, the fig and the 
pear trees are inspected, and these quite close to the house ; 
for the birds know that, while man is not a dangerous enemy, 
his dwelling is usually protected from strong winds, and 
therefore they fix their abode in its vicinity, perhaps in the 
nearest tree to his window ; and so little suspicious are they of 
interference, that they often build them so low that you can 
see into them as you stand. 
“ The hogs,” Mr. G-osse tells us, “ are the creatures that give 
him the most annoyance. They are ordinarily fed upon the 
inferior oranges, the fruit being shaken down to them in the 
evening : hence they acquire the habit of resorting to the orange- 
trees to wait for a lucky windfall. The mocking-bird, feeling 
nettled at the intrusion, flies down, and begins to peck the hog 
with all his might. Piggy, not understanding the matter, but 
pleased with the titillation, gently lies down and turns up his 
broad side to enjoy it ; the poor bird gets into an agony of 
distress, pecks and pecks again, but only increases the enjoy- 
ment of his luxurious intruder, and is at last compelled to give 
up the effort in despair.” 
DG 
