THE ENGLISH MOCKING-BIRD.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR:]
Snt,—With reference to your article (Spectator, May 25th) on the starling being so good a mimic, perhaps the following may be of interest. Many years ago when lying very ill I was much irritated and annoyed by hearing (as I thought) the boys of the village whistling with never-ceasing repetition bars of a particular time quite correctly and with great clearness. Steps were taken to endeavour to find the par- ticular boy or boys, and to put a stop to the proceeding that was affecting my nerves. It was then found that the tune was whistled by a starling in the most perfect manner, and when the fact was brought to my notice I was so much interested by it that, so far from objecting to the tune, I began to take a great interest in the matter and to look upon the bird as a personal friend. He continued to live about the house for some months when, to my great regret, he dis- appeared; but to the end he continued to sing his little tune, and I regarded him with great affection.—I am, Sir, &c.,
KINGSTON.
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