THLUSF. 
183 
frequenting the shrubs on the green *n our garden. From 
the slenderness of their forms, and the freshness of their 
plumage, we pronounced them to be birds of the preceding 
summer. There was an association and friendship between 
them that called our attention to their actions. One of them 
seemed ailing, or feeble from some bodily accident; for though 
it hopped about, yet it appeared unable to obtain sufficiency 
of food. Its companion, an active sprightly bird, would fre¬ 
quently bring it worms or snails, when they mutually partook 
of the banquet; and the ailing bird would wait patiently, 
understand the actions, expect the assistance of the other, 
and advance from its asylum upon its approach. This 
procedure was witnessed some days; but after a time we 
missed the fostered bird, which probably died, or by reason 
of its weakness, met with some fatal accident.’ 
The Thrush is a tameable bird, and, if encouraged, in hard 
weather will come close to the window for food. He is, 
however, not deficient in cunning, and will often baffle a 
pursuer by lying close in the bottom of a hedge, until the 
danger has past, when he will fly off in the opposite direction, 
with a loud chattering noise. Thrushes are good birds to 
eat, and are often sold in the markets with their kindred 
species. They have not unfrequently been known to take 
refuge in houses when pursued by Hawks. 
Their flight, which is capable of being prolonged to a great 
distance, is rapid, performed in moderate curves, with quick 
flaps, intermitted at intervals, often at considerable elevation, 
but generally rather low. On the ground, in quest of food, 
they droop the wings a little, and with the tail nearly 
horizontal, raise the head askance; if any thing in the shape 
of food is descried, they move quickly to it, their general 
mode of progression being by a series of leaps. If in a listless 
mood, the tail and wings are drooped, the neck drawn in, and 
the feathers ruffled out: in this attitude they may often be 
seen perched on a stone, or branch of a tree or hedge. They 
settle very suddenly. 
Their food consists of snails, insects, worms, caterpillars, 
and fruits;- and in the winter berries and seeds of different 
kinds contribute to their sustenance. The former they break 
the hard shells of by hammering them with their bills against 
some accustomed stone, as on a Druidical cromlech, deriving, 
as they do, their origin from the ancient British times, before 
