18 
CAGE-BIRDS 
THE MOCKING-BIRD. 
The mocking-bird is peculiar to this continent, and is an ornament of 
the forests of the Southern, and some of the Northern States, where it 
makes its appearance about the first of June, and begins nesting soon 
after. This pet is without doubt Qne of the most wonderful of feath¬ 
ered wonders. Its imitations are not mere burlesques, and it will render 
the melodious notes of the nightingale not less clearly than the bray of the 
jackass. The Mexican name for this little creature is “ the bird of four hun¬ 
dred tongues.” “ In extent and variety of vocal powers,” says Wilson, “ the 
mocking-bird stands unrivalled by the whole feathered songsters of this or 
perhaps any other country. Its plumage, though none of the homeliest, has 
nothing gaudy or brilliant in it, and, had he nothing else to recommend him, 
would scarcely entitle him to notice. But his figure is well proportioned, 
and even handsome. The ease, elegance, and rapidity of his movements, 
the animation of his eye, and the intelligence he displays in listening to and 
