[5] We ourselves remember the thrilling effect of our first reading
this ballad; especially while clambering over the ruins of
Brambletye House. Indeed, the incident of the ballad is of the
most sinking character, and it works on the stage with truly
melo-dramatic force, Perhaps, there is not a more interesting
picture than a solitary tree, tufted on a time-worn ruin; there
are a thousand associations in such a scene, which, to the
reflective mind, are dear as life's-blood, and as an artist
would say, they make a fine study.

* * * * *




THE NATURALIST.

* * * * *

AMERICAN SONG BIRDS.


The _Mocking-bird_ seems to be the prince of all song birds, being
altogether unrivalled in the extent and variety of his vocal powers;
and, besides the fulness and melody of his original notes, he has the
faculty of imitating the notes of all other birds, from the humming-bird
to the eagle. Pennant tells us that he heard a caged one, in England,
imitate the mewing of a cat and the creaking of a sign in high winds.
The Hon. Daines Barrington says, his pipe comes nearest to the