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Birds. 
with its head downwards. Even on land the bird walks 
awkwardly, as its feet are best adapted for the slippery 
stones on which it passes the greater part of its life, 
watching for the insects which it picks up on the edge 
of the water. Its movements under water are really 
performed by means of the wings, the bird positively 
flying through the water. When disturbed, it usually 
flirts up its tail, and makes a chirping noise. Its song 
in spring is said to be very pretty. In some places this 
bird is supposed to be migratory. 
THE BLACKBIRD. {Turdus Merula.) 
" The smiling morn, the breathing spring, 
Invite the tuneful birds to sing; 
c And, while they w a rble from each spray, 
Love melts the universal lay." 
Mallet. 
This well-known songster does not soar up to the clouds, 
like the lark, to make his voice resound through the air ; 
but keeps to the shady groves, which he fills with his 
melodious notes. Early at dawn, and late at dusk, he 
continues his pleasing melody ; and when incarcerated 
in the narrow space of a cage, still cheerful and merry, 
he strives to repay the kindness of his keeper by singing 
to him his natural strains ; and beguiles his irksome 
hours of captivity by studying and imitating his mas- 
ter's whistle. Blackbirds build their nests with great 
art, making the outside of moss and slender twigs, 
