“Thank you,” replied Melody. “I'm glad you like to hear me sing for there is nothing I like to do better. It is the one way in which I can express my feelings. I love all the Great World and I just have to tell it so. I do not mean to boast when I say that all the Thrush family have good voices.” “But you have the best of all,” cried Peter. Melody shook his brown head. “I wouldn't say that,” said he modestly. “I think the song of my cousin Hermit, is even more beautiful than mine. And then there is my other cousin, Veery. His song is wonderful, I think.” But just then Peter's curiosity was greater than his interest in songs. “Have you built your nest yet?” he asked. Melody nodded. “It is in a little tree not far from here,” said he, “and Mrs. Wood Thrush is sitting on five eggs this blessed minute. Isn't that perfectly lovely?” It was Peter's turn to nod. “What is your nest built of?” he inquired. “Rootlets and tiny twigs and weed stalks and leaves and mud,” replied Melody. “Mud!” exclaimed Peter. “Why, that's what Welcome Robin uses in his nest.” “Well, Welcome Robin is my own cousin, so I don't know as there's anything so surprising in that,” retorted Melody. “Oh,” said Peter. “I had forgotten that he is a member of the Thrush family.” “Well, he is, even if he is dressed quite differently from the rest of us,” replied Melody. “You mentioned your cousin, Hermit. I don't believe I know him,” said Peter. “Then it's high time you got acquainted with him,” replied Melody promptly. “He is rather fond of being by himself and that is why he is called the Hermit Thrush. He is smaller than I and his coat is not such a bright brown. His tail is brighter than his coat. He has a waistcoat spotted very much like mine. Some folks consider him the most beautiful singer of the Thrush family. I'm glad you like my song, but you must hear Hermit sing. I really think there is no song so beautiful in all the Green Forest.” “Does he build a nest like yours?” asked Peter. “No,” replied Melody. “He builds his nest on the ground, and he doesn't use any mud. Now if you'll excuse me, Peter, I must get my breakfast and give Mrs. Wood Thrush a chance to get hers.”