National Republican., 1877-04-15
Tho Mocking- Bird In Florida.

Tho Mocking- bird In Florida.
A fine mocking- bird (Mymus poiyg'otas) Is
king of the grove, but his more immediate do
mipion is in close proximity to the house.
Near the hedge Of Spanish bayonets is small
cypress, completely covered by n native grape
vine, forming pyramid Of living green. This
is his throne. which he mounts, and where he
eclipees all the sopgsters OF the grove with
his wonderful and varied music, and at the
same time he can overlook the hedge, which
he considers his exclusive property.
The fruit OF the Spanish bayonet is about
the size Of the banana, and grows IN laree
cluster at the top Of the plant. When fully
ripe It Is soft and sweet, and highly relished
by many birds. The cardinal -grosbeak, long,
billed thrush, and the cat-bird, As well as the
mocking- bird, are all fond OF the fruit, and
somstimes attempt TO plumber; but while
this tyrant moeking king is on guard no bird
eIcep this mate Is allowed to touch 1t.
His throne forms very pretty arbor, where
he retires at night and during raiuy days.
When he is away from home often step in;
but he is seldom SO far away but that his
keen eye sees me, and bear his scoldng note,
which always promptly obey. Nothing will
90 quickly make bird familiar as to show
him that he can drive us; and following this
up with patience and care, he will soon con-
fde In US, and learn our voice, and manifest
delight upon meeting us. This Is specially
catbird. But the mocking-bird Of East Flor
ida Is less confding than our Northern cat
| bird, for the very good reason that he looks
| upon man as an enemy who robs him of his
| young; and this shyness or distrust upon the
| part OF this glorious bird Of song Is in large
| part attributable to the rapacity Of Northern
| visitors, who sometimes pay as high as dfty
dollars for good singer. As long IS this
| continues We cannot expect the birds to con-
ade In US without much care and labor.
| Nearly two weeks, with the greatest caution
sss mcsSns suSs e8aa %,S
out hearing his threatening cry. He seemed
determined to keep ct . safe distance unn he
found he could drive me; then he ventured
nearer; and now have gained his confidence,
sufficiently so that he listens TO my nonsense.
| He turns his head In . comical manner, first
one side and then the other, and looks down
upon me in . sort Of patronizing way, As II
/ plying my poor attempt at bird language.
Then be raises himself In dignihed manner,
and pours forth such strain Of music that
am humbled In his presence.
This characteristic ruling power of the
mocking bird is msde available by good OBJ
servers. A Methodist clergyman, residing
| across the river, In the neighborhood OF Mrs.
Harriet Beecher Stowe, informs mo that .
mocking bird saved his grapes. Ono bird will
do comparatively DO damage In q vineyard; he
ic light feeder Of fruit, and has . habit Of
returning to the same spot. In the great
cluster Of fruit Of the spanish- -bayonet he
works systematically; he does not peck the
| whole cluster indiscriminately, but he takes
one berry at time, and this one lasts him
several days. So among grapes, he has par
ticular spot when he feeds, but he overlooks
and takes care Of all within his dominion.
II these birds are unmolested by man, they
will regulate their own Affairs so As 70 assist
him.
The clergyman above mentioned had neaI
neighbor, who, finding q mocking bird eating
his grapes, shot him. Lawlessness now
regned among the birds, and the nsigh hbor
kept on shooting untn Q large number were
Slaughtered. Tue result was, he lost all Of
his grapes.-Mrs. Mary Treat, IN Hdrpr'I
| Nina zine foy NM.