quite confident in our own mind of what must be the necessary result with regard to the hatching of the eggs. There was, of course, no embryon-consequently, no offspring. We merely experimented in this one extraordinary instance, to satisfy some amateurs who were morbidly sanguine of a contrary issue. It is worthy of notice, that immediately on the removal of the eggs from their hiding-place, both the robin and the mule grew melancholy. Their affection was, if possible, redoubled; but, sick at heart at the frustration of their fondest hopes, they pined gradually away, and found a restingplace in the silent grave. "In their deaths they were not divided." We placed them in a small deal box, and buried them beneath the same tomb. When you have carefully studied the dispositions and habits of the hard-billed birds, you will find that in the soft-billed you have yet more to admire. These little creatures, more particularly those known as the "Warblers," have all of them a soft, silky, plumage; and are, in point of substance, light as air." Hence their sleekness, trimness, and fair symmetrical proportions. The time to view them in their glory is in the morning, while feeding; or when the sun streams into the aviary, through the win. dows. They may then be seen basking in the sun's rays, ranged on one of the long perches in the front window; or lying stretched out at full length on the margin of the rippling fountain. The "Warblers" are also remarkably fond of sitting opposite the looking-glasses; before which they habitually make their toilet, and perform some excruciatingly-droll antics If ever birds may be said to "think," it is at such seasons as these. It is long before they can bring themselves to believe that the reflection of their own person is not in reality another bird. Many are the assaults committed on the face of the glass in consequence! To get these little rogues, one and all, to be your associates, you need only provide yourself with any of the luxuries in which they delight-such as a few wood-lice, ants, spiders, mealworms, or earwigs. Your advent will then be heralded with a rapturous song. One or two of these savory morceaux, kindly presented with the hand, will get rid of all mauvaise honte on their part, and cause you to be "A 1" in the estimation of the colony. We here close our "Treatise on the Aviary and its Occupants." It has afforded us infinite delight to receive, during its progress towards completion, testimonials of approval from very high quarters. The spirit of our observations has been appre ciated; our motives have been pleasingly recognised; and our labor of love for the welfare of the feathered tribe has, we are assured, not been in vain. BIRDS OF SONG. THE THRUSH. (Continued from Page 218.) THE COUNTRY HAS NOW BEEN SO LONG rejoicing in the notes of this happy fellow, where we may. From the earliest dawn that we find him an especial favorite, go until long after sun-set, is he everywhere making himself heard and beloved : The thrush's song Is varied as his plumes; and as his plumes between this bird and man, that he (the There seems to be a mutual understanding his quarters just where he pleases. He thrush) has a prescriptive right to take up seems intuitively to know that he is always a welcome visitor; and this knowledge it is that makes him so loud and so free in his own; your trees as his property; and your song. He looks upon your garden as his fruit as being provided for the refreshment and entertainment of his family. assume all this, from the bold manner in which he takes possession of his territories. We In our last, we dwelt much upon the admirable construction of the thrush's nest, and made particular mention of the progressive architecture of the builder. We should have remarked, that the rounded form of this frame-work is produced by the bird measuring it, at every step of the process, with its body; particularly with the part extending from the thigh to the chin. It is this uniform course of action in all the tribe that causes us to make the discrimination between "instinct" and "reason." If we found an exception to a rule, facts would be against us; but it is not so. The thrush lays four, sometimes five eggs. They are of a blue cast, spotted with black at the larger end. The nest is built in a Fir or Holly; sometimes on the stump of a tree; and very frequently near the ground. It is easily discoverable, and therefore often becomes the property of the highway robber. The heads of these diabolical vagrants are a study worthy of the phrenologists. The savages would appear to have but one organ in their whole system-we hardly need say that we mean the organ of "Destructive ness. Being in such constant operation, no wonder its owners are such "adepts" in their unnatural vocations! The same remarks we have already made about the blackbird, apply with full force to the thrush. The best birds are always those which are bat-folded or netted. These possess the wild, or natural note; and when caged, they seldom or never lose it. It would, however, be foolish, as well as cruel to attempt to cage any of the old birds now. In the first place, they would not sing,-at all events for any length of time; in the second place, they would occasion you much unnecessary trouble in attending to them throughout the summer season; and in the third place, you would be depriving their mates of a natural protector whilst engaged in the arduous duties of incubation. Nestling thrushes often turn out good birds if well educated; but they are very imitative. When only two months old, they will faithfully record the melodious strains of a love-sick cat; nor can we admit that these are much improved on by the extra "variations" that are sometimes indulged in. In such cases, it is desirable to let the performer have his immediate liberty, or your ears will ever after be doomed to sounds of feline melody. We should be wanting in our duty, did we not point out these innate propensities of the thrush. Our readers now have the remedy in their own hands. If you wish to bring your birds up tame from the nest, it will be advisable to obtain some of the earliest broods, which generally thrive better than any others. You need a not keep them too warm; but a piece of flannel should be thrown over the nest for day or two till they are used to the change. When nearly fledged, remove them at once to other quarters. A nest of young thrushes usually consists of four or five members. All these should be kept together in a long cage, with a wire front. Give them a good bottom of dry, red gravel, and place them in the sun. They will thrive wonderfully fast, thus treated. Feed them exactly the same as you would do young blackbirds. We have already spoken of this, at much length. They will soon learn to peck, and as soon to perch. It is very difficult to distinguish a male from a female thrush, when young. Indeed, we can give no proper directions for exercising a judgment in the matter. However, if you procure your young birds early in the season, the males will soon "record" their song; and from the distension of the larynx, you will be able to discriminate the powers of their execution. Hens "jabber," the males whistle. Thrushes, when young, are very liable to cramp. It is needful, therefore, to see that no water whatever be placed inside their cages. Else will they upset the vessel containing it, and be constantly walking over wet sand. These matters are very seldom rightly understood, and many birds die from the want of only common care. On no account change the food of your birds too soon. Dry food will not suit their digestion, and must not be given them until they are at least six weeks old. A snail, a morsel of bread and butter, and an atom of cheese, in connection with their soft food, will bring them nicely forward. Hang them up in the most cheerful situation you can find; and always talk to them as you pass. This will render them very tame. Carefully guard against the incursion of CATS. We have many times thrown in a caution of this kind, en passant; and at this season, we feel bound to repeat it with increased remonstrance. We never did, do not, and never shall aid any one whose cruelty permits birds, and other " pets," to be domesticated with CATS. The mere sight of one of these creatures sometimes deprives a timid bird of its sanity. Loudly and sweetly as it may have sung, in times past-such a shock as that occasioned by the "longing eye" of an anxious cat, will unseat the intellect. We have seen and heard of many such occurrences. We therefore say-beware! Thrushes, like blackbirds, require a variety in their diet. Their general food may consist of German-paste, stale bun, and hardboiled egg. But they will anxiously look of cheese, and a few meal worms. out for a snail, some bread and butter, a morsel If these be given them at intervals, they will never ail anything; and with care you may keep them 15 years. Thrushes are liable to CRAMP, particularly when young. Be careful therefore never to place the vessel holding water inside their cages; and let the gravel at the bottom of their cages be always kept clean and dry. It should be changed every day. You cannot do better than select your cages on the model proposed for those of the blackbird. They like plenty of room, both in width and height, and they should be suspended moderately high. In summer they may be left out all night; but as we have before remarked, one side of the cage must be boarded, to exclude all draughts. Thrushes are very fond of bathing. You must therefore provide a square earthenware pan (sold by the bird-dealers), let into a wire frame. Suspend this every morning on the cage door (first opening it). The bird will soon jump into his bath; and when he retires you had better remove it immediately; then close the door. To cause your birds to be tame and familiar, it is only needful to talk to them as you pass; or to whistle to them. They quickly get used to you, and recognise your step. Hang them by themselves; as the loudness of their song would materially interfere with the harmony of your smaller birds. There is a great art in arranging your vocalists. If you study this, you may turn your garden into an aviary, and melody will be heard to pour from every tree. We have now said all that is needful for the proper management of this noble bird when in confinement. We must however repeat, that he is not adapted for a cage bird, though he is numbered among them. No one can doubt the truth of this who listens to his wild song, especially at this season : "See! the Spring Hark! how yonder THROSTLE chants it, It will be said, that it is not all our readers who can enjoy these wild melodies in the country; and that they have as much right to listen to the music of a thrush as we have, although they do live in cities. It is true; and we have done our part towards facilitating their object. We have done it however "under protest.' The only way to enjoy the music of the thrush is-to hear his song of freedom." His proud soul despises a cage. ་་ ANECDOTES OF THE JACKDAW. IN THE 27th No. of the Naturalist, we find the following reminiscences of two Jackdaws. They are from the pen of Mr. Thos. Fuller, Bath: coach-smith, bought a nest with two young jackAbout two years since, one of my workmen, a daws of one of those marauding urchins of boys, reach. He brought them to the shop, and placed who delight in the destruction of all within their them upon a shelf immediately above his bench, (he was a vice-man,) where they were constantly under his observation. They thrived well, and soon began to hop about the shop. They appeared to take great delight in perching upon the edges of the water-troughs near the forges, where they watched the motions of the fireman attending to his iron in the process of heating, and when taken from the fire, and placed upon the anvil under the operation of the hammers, these two birds faced round, watching the process with apparent intense interest. Notwithstanding the sparks of fire flew close to them, they would only bob their heads and shake their feathers. There were several forges in the shop, but they seemed to prefer the one that did the heaviest work, which was in consequence that which displayed the greatest amount of fire and diffusion of sparks. But their strongest attachment was to the viceman who brought them to the shop, and who fed them in their nest. For some little time he took them home on Saturday nights, and brought them back again on Monday mornings, but he discontinued doing so when they grew to maturity. If a stranger came into the shop, the male bird would descend to the ground, and immediately attack the intruder by pecking at his feet. It was frequently suggested to me that much time was wasted by the workmen in playing with these creatures, but so great is my love for natural history, and so much amusement did these lively creatures contribute, that I could not summon resolution to order their expulsion. Frequently have I seen the vice-man mentioned, after fitting a nut upon a bolt, leave the bolt fixed in the vice with the nut screwed down; he would then shake his finger at the male bird, by way of admonition not to meddle with it; when the impudent fellow to unscrew the nut from the bolt with his bill, would immediately hop upon the vice, and begin which he would accomplish by half turns at a time, looking up at the man at intervals very knowingly; and when he had got it quite off, would drop it down and return to the side of his companion, who appeared to share in his satisfaction at the exploit. There were many other instances of the sagacity of these birds, but it is unnecessary to trouble you with them; they had become so interesting to me that it was with much regret I found, upon going into the shop one Monday morning, that the female was dead. She was found floating upon the water in one of the cooling-troughs, upon the edges of which they so frequently perched. The vice-man declared it was her partner's doings, and that the villain, who was rogue enough for anything, had killed his wife. Whether it was so or not he shewed no contrition, and continued as mischievous as ever, until an occurrence took place which closed the amusing fellow's career.— It happened that a traveller from some chemical works called at the shop, offering for sale a cheap sort of grease adapted for smiths' use; the viceman filled his grease-box with this composition; the next morning poor Jack was found lying on his back. There is no doubt that he was in the habit of feeding from the grease-pot, and some poisonous ingredient in this compound finished him. OUR MIRROR OF THE MONTHS. JUNE. Copious dispenser of delight, bright JUNE, IT IS A VERY FAVORITE axiom of ours, that half the pleasures of life consist in anticipation. What we look for to-day, without being able to realise it, we fondly hope for to-morrow. And thus is life rendered pleasant. We predicted in our last, that the month of MAY would dawn upon us in all its beau ties at once. We were still further confirmed in the hope and the belief by the advent of May-day. The fair sun rose on that auspicious morn in all his beauty, glory, and splendor. All nature rejoiced in the scenes of loveliness visible on every hand. Thousands and tens of thousands were poured out to revel in the enjoyments that awaited them, and the day closed as it had opened,-with splendid and serene sky. a We shall never forget the happiness we enjoyed on May-day, surrounded as we were by nightingales, blackcaps, thrushes, blackbirds, skylarks, and all the choristers of the grove. Knowing well their sequestered haunts, we sought them in fair company, and enshrined ourselves in the very heart of the country. The sky was our canopy; the earth our carpet, curiously wrought with every variety of living patterns; whilst rivulets of water were, by their melodious murmurings, completing our realisation of perfect repose. Neither we, nor our fair companion, found cause for regret in having so passed the opening day of the month. Our fickle climate deeming it, perhaps, unwise to give us too many such treats at once, changed the scene completely on the succeeding day. Wind, rain, storms, intense cold, and all the rigors of winter, set in; and from that time until past the middle of the month, we had little to think of, save great-coats and comfortable fires. Just so was it last year. Well, we have patiently borne all these trials; availing ourself of every stray oppor tunity to get into the fields, and watch the progress of the season. We have seen enough to warrant the belief that the winter is now over; and that the heavy rains have not fallen in vain. The herbage is beautifully green, all vegetation has gathered strength, and the orchards give pleasing demonstration that their produce will be most abundant. We have had no spring; but we anticipate such a summer! It would be idle ih us to do more than hint to our readers what awaits them in the month of June. In-door amusements must, of course, be laid aside altogether. The mind and body now must live out of the sight of bricks and mortar. The soul expands, this month. There is nothing but poetry stirring. Pride, conceit, exclusiveness, sternness, ill-nature, bigotry, and deceit, rule largely in the month of May; themselves in their final efforts. If a man but, thank God! they appear to exhaust would be self-righteous now-everything he sees around him forbids the feeling. At such We love the summer, were it only for the hallowing, sanctifying influences, it diffuses over men by nature and habit sullen and morose. "Man made the town; God made the country." Man plays the Pharisee, but God commends the simplicity of the heart. He who cannot worship and adore his Creator in rural solitude, or in a country ramble, shall be no companion of ours. times, we "love our neighbor as ourself;" and that feeling brings with it a joy perfectly indescribable. When nature attracts us, we fall in love with her irresistibly. Her lady. ship's smiles have witchery in them. looks at us, and we set up a ringing laugh of joy. She woos us, and we give our very soul up, a willing sacrifice to her charms. A happy "union," this! She Oh Nature! lovely Nature! thou cans't give We have expressed our conviction, that it is arrogant to attempt to sing in so many words, of the delights of summer. No pen can dare to aspire so high. We may plead; we may hint. There we must stop. We cannot now go abroad, or enter any field or garden, without being filled with admiration at what we behold :- face of the waters. To stroll and dabble among these natural curiosities, affords a peculiar delight-known to none but those who are in the secret. The means of seeking happiness and enjoyment during the present month, are very various. Whitsuntide is the signal for holíday-making and rejoicing. On and after Whit-Monday, we meet Pleasure's votaries in most Protean shapes. That day is appointed for "the vans to commence plying to and from Hampton Court. The inmates and supporters of these, deserve pity rather than blame. Habit has seasoned them to noise and dissipation, and they can see no fun or enjoyment in anything else. Tee-totallers are among their staunchest adherents; and those who have "taken the pledge," break it just as often as they go out pleasuring! It is grievous to observe these things, and sad to know that they cannot be altered. The same excesses go on in the various steam-boats below bridge. Indeed, from the present moment until October, little will be thought of by the people but unrestrained indulgence in beer, spirits, and tobacco. These, as we have elsewhere shown, are their only god. It is sad to think, that the masses are not the only offenders! The refreshing air of Heaven is everywhere poisoned at this season by people who ought to know better. It is indeed to be regretted, that what little intellect a man has, should be so besotted! Mais chacun a son gout. JUNE is just the season when Nature delights to show forth what wonders she has been secretly working during the earlier months. When she first begins to rub her eyes, and awaken to her lovely task, she puts not forth half her strength. She shows us a world of minor beauties, and makes us fall in love with them; but these merely amuse us while the great work is going on. finishing touches of her ladyship's toilet are now just being completed, and we shall shortly see her seated on her throne of beauty-looking down on the work of her hands, and rejoicing thereat. The Already have we revelled in the magic beauties of the magnificent chestnuts in Bushy Park, and wandered far into the recesses of certain forests; noted the progress of vegetation in woods and parks; and listened early and late to the song of the blackbird, thrush, laverock, and linnet. We have followed the bee, chased the butterfly, hunted the grasshopper, and viewed the blithe companies of gnats as they hovered up and down in the warm air, like motes in a sunbeam. We have frolicked in the meads, and danced among the flowers. We have joined the lambs in their gambols, and been ravished with delight whilst gazing on the endless profusion of blossoms, ex tending far beyond the reach of vision. This is nice amusement in May. What awaits us in JUNE is still better. We shall have no end of flowers in the garden, to say nothing of those lovely creations that await us in the fields ;Ye Field Flowers! the gardens eclipse you, 'tis true; Yet, wildings of Nature, I doat upon you; And when daisies and buttercups gladdened my sight, Like treasures of silver and gold. Oh, with what real pleasure do we greet the advent of each pretty stranger, as we recognise its re-appearance amongst us in the lanes! Inexhaustible are their beauties, rendered doubly loveable by their innocent and modest pretensions. But we must not dwell upon this. In a state of culture, we shall speedily rejoice in our geraniums, pinks, sweet-Williams, columbines, fritillary, lupines, Virginian stocks, mignonette, balsams, fuchsias, amaranths, poonies, love-lies-bleeding, &c., &c. And then our roses! Of these we must be silent; or our printer will go raving mad. He has already circumscribed our limits most unmercifully. We We Hay-making, too, will be among the outdoor amusements. This was a ceremony in which we always delighted to assist. of the hay-field. Hay-making, however, is trace many happy hours to our reminiscences not conducted now as it was of yore. have degenerated in this, as well as in other agricultural matters. Formerly, there was little care brooding on the brow of the mower, and as little on the nut-brown countenances of the hay-makers. Boys and girls, men and women, mistress and maid, master and servant-all used, once upon a time, to take a fork, and revel in the fraCare, howgrance of the new-mown hay. ever, does now crowd upon the countenance; and it is only now and then that we can, by favor, join in our old much-loved sport. As the month advances, our walks begin to be haunted with the richness of beauty. There are splendid evenings, clear, serene, and balmy, tempting us to continue our stroll till after sunset. We see around us fields golden with crowfoot, and cattle basking in plenty. We hear the sonorous streams chiming into the milk pail in the nooks of crofts, and on the other side of hedges. It is now that the mind, which has been continually led onward by the expansion of days, leaves, and flowers, seems to repose on the fulness of nature. Everything is clothed. The spring actually seems past. surrounded by all that beauty, sunshine, and We are |