Adventures began before the lights of New York sank below the horizon; adventures more strange than agreeable, for the journey was by steamer. Hardly had we passed out of the bay when there began a gentle roll which speedily sent passengers to bed. When we passed Long Branch the motion was a steady rock from side to side, that made one feel like a baby in a cradle, and before bedtime it was a violent swing that flung one about like a toy, and tossed the furniture around like doll-house belongings1.
Holding on to the side of the berth2 with both hands, I passed the night listening to the labored3 strokes of the engine and the crashing of the loosened freight in the hold, and entertained by the eccentric conduct of the loose articles in my state-room, a trunk, chair, life-preserver,[Pg 22] plate, saucer, and teaspoon4, which with one accord, and in spite of all I could do by most ingenious wedging, joined in a peculiar5 dance between the outer wall and the inner partition of my room. At one moment they rested quietly in their several ways, against the wall; the steamer lurched, and all started madly across the floor, the heavy things first, and the lighter6 bringing up the rear, each banging violently against the partition, with thump7, rattle8, or jingle9 according to its nature, then in a moment dashing back so furiously that I feared to see the thin planks10 yield and my trunk go out to sea by itself. Not that I cared for my trunk—my life was the subject that interested me at the time. Outside, too, the doors and blinds rattled11, the tiller-chain chattered12 and wailed13 and sobbed14 like a woman in distress15, and above all other sounds rose the dismal16 fog horn, for a pall17 of mist had settled over us.
Day differed from night only in being light, for the sole prospect18 from the guards was one moment the fog above, where the sky should be, the next the depths of the sea yawning as if to receive the ship into its bosom19. In this manner, during two days and three nights, we rolled on to our destination, and for days after my feet touched blessed Mother Earth I reeled and staggered like a drunken man.[Pg 23]
After the storm, the calm. There followed upon this rough voyage weeks of quiet, delightful20 bird-study, whose long sunny-days were passed in the fragrant21 depths of pine groves22, under arching forest of sweet-gum trees, or on the shore of the salt marsh24; but wherever, or however, always following and spying out the ways of the feathered world.
The bird of the South—the mocking-bird, was the first object of study. By day he was watched and noted25, during the long twilight26 he was listened to, and at midnight sleep was often banished27 by his wonderful and enchanting28 voice. Gray and inconspicuous in coloring, we all know him in the cage; but how different in freedom! how wild and bewitching his song! how wise and knowing his ways! how well worth weeks of study is this one bird!
Here were dozens of other birds also. What keen delight to one fresh from the town, to look over the marsh where
"Leagues and leagues of marsh grass, waist high, broad in the blade,
Green and all of a height, and unflecked with a light or a shade,
To the terminal blue of the main;"
to watch the great snowy heron sweeping31 over with broad white wing, tripping gracefully[Pg 24] about on the edges of the channels, and toward night betaking itself to a line of trees in the distance, that looked as if full of snowy blossoms that moved and changed about and at last settled for the night; to see the bald eagle catch a big fish and call his mate to help him eat it; to watch the lesser32 tern hover33 with yellow bill pointed34 downward and sharp eye fixed35 on the water, and at length stiffen36 his wings and dive head first into it, bringing out his prey37, and filling the air with cries in a complaining, squealing38 tone that always reminds one of a young pig; to gaze fascinated at the bewitching flight of the ring-plover, sweeping low over the water in a small flock, now almost invisible as the sombre-colored backs turn toward you, now suddenly flashing bright as silver when the breasts come into sight, moving in perfect unison39 as if impelled40 by one will. More, many more birds of the marsh attract and draw one, but inland is the mocking-bird, and after a walk along the shore, always my feet turned to the groves and the fields where the matchless bird lives his life.
To see, as well as hear a wild mocking-bird sing, is worth a journey, even over the rolling deep. I passed hours in a pleasant grove23 beyond the gardens and fields, watching and listening to one bird whose concert hall it was.[Pg 25] The grove was the audience room where one might be in the shade and not too conspicuous29 in watching him. His chosen place was in the sunshine, for this bird is a sun-worshiper. I always found him singing when I reached the spot. Perhaps on the top spike41 of a young pine-tree, balanced on one, or sometimes on two adjoining top twigs—which of course stand straight up—stood the singer, madly shouting his most peculiar medley43. He looked at me as I passed near his perch44, but did not pause in his song. After I had taken my seat he flew—singing as he went—alighted nearer, on the upper sprig of a cedar45, turned his eyes upon me, and treated me to another performance, while I looked and listened enchanted46.
Nor was I the only listener. Ever and anon while absorbed in the entertainment, or waiting, breathless, for a new note, I was startled by a rustle47, and a low "Good evenin' Missis," and glanced up to see a negro stealing along in a stealthy way. It might be a woman with a big bundle or basket on her head, possibly a slouching young man or "boy" with an air of interest in my eccentric proceedings48, or a group of youngsters with nothing particular to do, but one and all perfectly49 silent in movement. No wonder they know all about the birds, and lay violent hands on eggs, nests, or nestlings as[Pg 26] they choose, creeping around as they do without a sound. It is only surprising that a bird is left in the State, so persistently50 do they rob the nests. Naturally the mocking-bird, for which they can always find purchasers, is the most desirable, and white as well as black persecute52 that bird unceasingly.
"You can't keep them from the negroes," said a young white man. "I've often been watching a nest to get the young ones myself, but some nig was sure to take it before me."
Speaking of negroes, I never saw so many idle men and grown boys. Not a spot could be found so secluded53 that one or more did not soon make his appearance. Selecting the quiet yard of a summer cottage, a deserted54-looking place not yet opened for the season, in which to study the ways of the birds in peace, I was often disturbed by a negro passing across the lawn, taking no heed55 of fences, for there's no sort of a fence in that country that they will not pass over as if it were not there. Of course this always put to flight the dramatis person? of my study. One day an interesting (or interested) person of color appeared on the scene equipped for white-washing, and proceeded to adorn56 tree trunks, fences, buildings, etc., etc., relieving his labors57 by questioning me about northern manners and customs. On another[Pg 27] occasion when I was looking anxiously to see a certain family of nestlings make exit from the nest, a building that I supposed to be a shut-up store-room was thrown open, a wash-tub appeared before the door, and I found that a family of eight, including four children, had moved in, not thirty feet from my chosen seat, and of course to the utter destruction of any seclusion58.
I could not select a single spot in the neighborhood, favorable to quiet study, without having it made desolate59 or turned into a thoroughfare. The loveliest place I found at all was a footpath60 passing for about fifty feet through a fringe of low cedar, sweet gum trees, and shrubs62 loaded with pink lily-of-the-valley shaped blossoms. Across the path ran a brooklet63, a mere64 thread of water, so shallow that small birds stood in the middle to bathe, though it deepened into a pool below, where frogs croaked65 and plunged66. It was cool; it was quiet, far from the everywhere present negro hut; there was no sound but the trickle67 of the streamlet as it fell into the pool, and the softened68 roar of the ocean beyond the wide salt marsh.
To this nook I went every day, always trying to surprise the birds at their usual occupations, but never quite succeeding; for steal in quietly as I might I always heard low remarks, a slight flutter of wings, and usually saw a dark form[Pg 28] or two departing near the ground behind some shrub61. Slowly and quietly, however, I took my seat on a bank close under a thick bush,—while the silence around me was as profound as if no wing had ever fluttered there,—and became as motionless as circumstances would allow, for beside the birds there were other tenants69 not half so shy.
After a few moments, when the ripple70 I caused had died away, sounds of life began again; unknown water creatures made queer noises in the pool below, low bird tones, unfamiliar71 scraps72 of song fell on the ear, ordinary ways were resumed.
In this pleasant place I made acquaintance with the painted-finch, or nonpareil, who was least frightened of the small birds, and stood patiently on a cedar twig42 till I became quiet, then came down in plain sight, waded73 up to the tops of his firm little legs in the water, and deliberately74 took his bath before my very face. Here also I had a call from Bob White, who cautiously lifted a striped cap and a very bright eye above the grass tops to look at me. He did not introduce himself; indeed, after a moment's steady gaze his head dropped and I saw him no more, but I heard him rustle in the grass on the way to the strawberries, of which he demands—and gets—his share.[Pg 29]
Ruin fell upon this charming retreat in this wise. One day on my approach I saw commotion75 in the shrubs and two negroes at work chopping great branches out on each side of the path, letting in the sun to my bank, and turning it into a hideous76 wreck77. I protested.
"Why is this? What are you doing?"
"Oh, we're just cuttin' some pea-poles!" they replied calmly. They had been too lazy or too indifferent to step ten feet on one side into the thicker copse, and leave the pretty path in its beauty, and the mischief78 was done, and after all it was not my business. I passed on.
Bird-study has other annoyances79 in that part of the world beside the human beings of whom I have spoken. Next, perhaps, are the sufferings which wring80 the heart all the while. John Burroughs has written the tragedies of the nests; he could add a chapter more tragical81 than all, should he visit the haunts of the mocking-bird. Nothing can be more dreadful than the systematic82 and persistent51 war made upon this bird, of which nevertheless every Southerner is proud.
Lastly, the hindrances83 which Dame84 Nature herself throws around her mysteries. There are the prickly pears, sowed broadcast over the land so thickly that one can hardly avoid stepping on them, with thorns sharp as needles, and[Pg 30] as long. One of an inch in length that I had the curiosity to examine had forty-five thorns, equal to two papers of number six sharps, that stuck out in every direction, and would pass through an ordinary shoe with perfect ease. This interesting vegetable has no local attachments85 whatever, and readily clings to any part of one's garment.
Then there are the mosquitoes with which the same careful mother peoples the groves, even in April, industrious86 little creatures not in the least enervated87 by the climate. But her grand dependence88, judiciously89 settled indeed, is on the sand flies. Wherever there is not a howling gale—there are the flies in millions, most indefatigable90 and maddening of pests. And finally, to take home with you, to remind you pleasantly of her hospitalities when you have reached your own room, is the tick!
Ties from the outer world began at last to draw. The birdlings in the nest were not ready to come out, and growing impatient I drew upon the knowledge—or rather the ignorance—of the residents and heard some surprising statements, which further observation, however, did not confirm. That the mocking-bird baby lives for three weeks in the nest; that part of that time the parents carry the nestlings about on their backs; that when old enough the young[Pg 31] are pushed out of their nest, and always fall to the ground.
And the authors of these fables91 were grown-up, and had passed their lives among the mocking-birds. I curbed92 my impatience93, stayed another week, and saw all the nestlings out, and the nest deserted.
Another charge also fell to the ground on careful observation. The farmers complain—as farmers are apt to complain of their best friends, the birds—that the mocking-bird eats strawberries. I set myself to watch a fine patch full of ripe and tempting94 berries, several times when no one was near. Many birds came about, mocking-birds, crows, kingbirds, orchard95 orioles, and others. The mocking-birds ran down between the rows of vines catching96 grasshoppers97, the crows did the same service, walking with dignity. The kingbirds chased flies, the orioles searched the fruit trees for insects. One and all were working in the interest of the strawberry grower. And while I watched, an hour or more at a time, not even for dessert after filling their stomachs with insects, did one take a berry, which I am sure they might be considered to have earned.
I know one lady—would there were more like her—who owns a garden on Long Island, and when her gardener comes in and says something[Pg 32] must be done to prevent the birds destroying fruit, calmly says: "Certainly, set out another row of plants. Let us have enough for the birds by all means, and for ourselves too."
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1
belongings
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| n.私人物品，私人财物 | |
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berth
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| n.卧铺，停泊地，锚位；v.使停泊 | |
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labored
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| adj.吃力的，谨慎的v.努力争取(for)( labor的过去式和过去分词 )；苦干；详细分析；（指引擎）缓慢而困难地运转 | |
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teaspoon
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| n.茶匙 | |
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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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6
lighter
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| n.打火机，点火器；驳船；v.用驳船运送；light的比较级 | |
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7
thump
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| v.重击，砰然地响；n.重击，重击声 | |
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8
rattle
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| v.飞奔，碰响；激怒；n.碰撞声；拨浪鼓 | |
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9
jingle
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| n.叮当声，韵律简单的诗句；v.使叮当作响，叮当响，押韵 | |
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planks
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| （厚）木板( plank的名词复数 )； 政纲条目，政策要点 | |
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rattled
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| 慌乱的，恼火的 | |
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12
chattered
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| （人）喋喋不休( chatter的过去式 )； 唠叨； （牙齿）打战； （机器）震颤 | |
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13
wailed
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| v.哭叫，哀号( wail的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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14
sobbed
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| 哭泣，啜泣( sob的过去式和过去分词 )； 哭诉，呜咽地说 | |
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15
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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16
dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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17
pall
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| v.覆盖，使平淡无味；n.柩衣，棺罩；棺材；帷幕 | |
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18
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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19
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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20
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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21
fragrant
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| adj.芬香的，馥郁的，愉快的 | |
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22
groves
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| 树丛，小树林( grove的名词复数 ) | |
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23
grove
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| n.林子，小树林，园林 | |
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24
marsh
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| n.沼泽，湿地 | |
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noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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26
twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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27
banished
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| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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enchanting
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| a.讨人喜欢的 | |
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29
conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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leisurely
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| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
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31
sweeping
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| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
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32
lesser
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| adj.次要的，较小的；adv.较小地，较少地 | |
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33
hover
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| vi.翱翔，盘旋；徘徊；彷徨，犹豫 | |
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pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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35
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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36
stiffen
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| v.(使)硬，(使)变挺，(使)变僵硬 | |
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prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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38
squealing
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| v.长声尖叫，用长而尖锐的声音说( squeal的现在分词 ) | |
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39
unison
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| n.步调一致，行动一致 | |
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40
impelled
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| v.推动、推进或敦促某人做某事( impel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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41
spike
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| n.长钉，钉鞋；v.以大钉钉牢，使...失效 | |
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42
twig
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| n.小树枝，嫩枝；v.理解 | |
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43
medley
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| n.混合 | |
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44
perch
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| n.栖木，高位，杆；v.栖息，就位，位于 | |
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45
cedar
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| n.雪松，香柏(木) | |
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46
enchanted
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| adj. 被施魔法的，陶醉的，入迷的 动词enchant的过去式和过去分词 | |
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47
rustle
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| v.沙沙作响；偷盗(牛、马等)；n.沙沙声声 | |
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48
proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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49
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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50
persistently
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| ad.坚持地；固执地 | |
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51
persistent
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| adj.坚持不懈的，执意的；持续的 | |
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52
persecute
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| vt.迫害，虐待；纠缠，骚扰 | |
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53
secluded
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| adj.与世隔绝的；隐退的；偏僻的v.使隔开，使隐退( seclude的过去式和过去分词) | |
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54
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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55
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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56
adorn
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| vt.使美化，装饰 | |
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57
labors
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| v.努力争取(for)( labor的第三人称单数 )；苦干；详细分析；（指引擎）缓慢而困难地运转 | |
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58
seclusion
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| n.隐遁，隔离 | |
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59
desolate
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| adj.荒凉的，荒芜的；孤独的，凄凉的；v.使荒芜，使孤寂 | |
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footpath
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| n.小路，人行道 | |
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61
shrub
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| n.灌木，灌木丛 | |
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62
shrubs
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| 灌木( shrub的名词复数 ) | |
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63
brooklet
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| n. 细流, 小河 | |
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64
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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65
croaked
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| v.呱呱地叫( croak的过去式和过去分词 )；用粗的声音说 | |
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66
plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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67
trickle
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| vi.淌，滴，流出，慢慢移动，逐渐消散 | |
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68
softened
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| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
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69
tenants
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| n.房客( tenant的名词复数 )；佃户；占用者；占有者 | |
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70
ripple
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| n.涟波，涟漪，波纹，粗钢梳；vt.使...起涟漪，使起波纹； vi.呈波浪状，起伏前进 | |
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71
unfamiliar
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| adj.陌生的，不熟悉的 | |
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72
scraps
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| 油渣 | |
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73
waded
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| （从水、泥等）蹚，走过，跋( wade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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74
deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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commotion
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| n.骚动，动乱 | |
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hideous
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| adj.丑陋的，可憎的，可怕的，恐怖的 | |
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wreck
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| n.失事，遇难；沉船；vt.(船等)失事，遇难 | |
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mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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annoyances
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| n.恼怒( annoyance的名词复数 )；烦恼；打扰；使人烦恼的事 | |
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80
wring
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| n.扭绞；v.拧，绞出，扭 | |
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tragical
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| adj. 悲剧的, 悲剧性的 | |
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systematic
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| adj.有系统的，有计划的，有方法的 | |
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83
hindrances
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| 阻碍者( hindrance的名词复数 )； 障碍物； 受到妨碍的状态 | |
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dame
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| n.女士 | |
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85
attachments
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| n.（用电子邮件发送的）附件( attachment的名词复数 )；附着；连接；附属物 | |
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86
industrious
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| adj.勤劳的，刻苦的，奋发的 | |
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87
enervated
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| adj.衰弱的，无力的v.使衰弱，使失去活力( enervate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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dependence
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| n.依靠，依赖；信任，信赖；隶属 | |
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judiciously
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| adv.明断地，明智而审慎地 | |
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indefatigable
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| adj.不知疲倦的，不屈不挠的 | |
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91
fables
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| n.寓言( fable的名词复数 )；神话，传说 | |
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92
curbed
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| v.限制，克制，抑制( curb的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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tempting
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| a.诱人的, 吸引人的 | |
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95
orchard
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| n.果园，果园里的全部果树，(美俚)棒球场 | |
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catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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grasshoppers
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| n.蚱蜢( grasshopper的名词复数 )；蝗虫；蚂蚱；（孩子）矮小的 | |
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