But your own proper boast is the Combe, neatly rounded, Which preserves through all seasons its emerald hue; Whilst the dews, o’er the uplands by which it is bounded, Impart, in soft contrast, the mist’s tender blue; Not deserted, though lonely: the vale in its centre, Girt with Barn and rough Linhay, encloses a farm; And o’er the warm nook of its deepest indenture, The orchard’s fair bloom sheds its fugitive charm. An eye little used to such leafy profusion, Might fancy yon hedge-row one wide-waving wood; And furze and plumed fern, as to aid the illusion, Here and there on the tameness of culture intrude. But wildest the mixture of shrub, bush, and bramble, And sweetest the scent which the wild flowers breathe, Where the birchen-banks mark the stream’s devious ramble, And the ear drinks its musical murmurs beneath. How soothing the sense of serenity stealing O’er the mind, whilst on plenty and peace thus we gaze! Less grateful, perhaps, though more lively, the feeling Awaken’d by prospects that awe and amaze. If in those we acknowledge the symbols of greatness; If earth’s pillars its Maker’s omnipotence prove; In these let us hail Him, “whose clouds distil fatness,” And who crowneth the year with his goodness and love. THE MOCKING-BIRD. (_Turdus polyglottus._) The Mocking-bird is a species of thrush, not uncommon in many parts both of North and South America and the West India Islands. In size, it does not exceed the European song-bird, and perhaps is not equal to it in the beauty of its plumage; it is, however, far from being an inelegant creature, but it is better known for the peculiarity and amazing power of its voice. Although not gifted with any powerful weapons of self-defence, these birds display extraordinary courage in defence of their eggs and young, and will fearlessly attack any animal which may approach their haunts, even their greatest enemy, a species of black snake.