f 
I 
THE MOCKING BIRD. 
from anything vocal, and is capable of imitating with exact¬ 
ness, both in measure and accent, the notes of all the feathered 
race. And, however wild and discordant the tones and calls 
may be, he contrives with an Orphean talent, peculiarly his 
own, to infuse into them that sweetness of expression, and 
harmonious modulation which characterises this inimitable 
and wonderful composer. With the dawn of morning, while 
yet the sun lingers below the blushing horizon, our sublime 
songster, in his native wilds, mounted on the topmost branch 
of a tall tree or bush, pours out his admirable song, which, 
amidst the multitude of notes from all the warbling host, still 
rises pre-eminent, so that his solo is heard alone, and all the 
rest of the musical choir appear employed as mere accom¬ 
paniments to this grand actor in the sublime opera of nature. 
Nor is his talent confined to imitation; his native notes are 
also bold, full, and perpetually varied, consisting of short ex¬ 
pressions of a few variable syllables, interspersed with imita¬ 
tions, and uttered with great emphasis and volubility, sometimes 
for half an hour at a time, with undiminished ardor. These 
native strains bear a considerable resemblance to those of the 
brown thrush, with which he is so nearly related in form, 
habits, and manners; but like him, rude from cultivated genius, 
his notes are distinguished by the rapidity of their delivery, their 
variety, sweetness, and energy. As if conscious of his un¬ 
rivalled powers of song, and animated by the harmony of his 
own voice, his music is, as it were, accompanied by chromatic 
dancing and expressive gestures; he spreads and closes his 
light, fanning wings, expands his silvered tail, and, with 
buoyant gaiety and enthusiastic ecstacy, sweeps around, and 
mounts and descends into the air from his lofty spray, as his 
song swells to loudness, or, in sinking whispers, dies away. 
While thus engaged, so varied is his talent, that it might be 
supposed a trial of skill from all the assembled songsters of 
the air; and so perfect are his imitations, that even the sports¬ 
man is at times deceived, and sent in quest of birds that have 
no existence around. The feathered tribes themselves are 
^ (fecoyed by the fancied call of their mates; or dive with fear ^ 
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