Page:The American Cyclopædia (1879) Volume XI.djvu/707

MOCKING BIRD are found in North and South America, the West Indies, and the Galapagos islands ; they are shy, active, and migratory, feeding on insects, ber- ries, and worms ; the song is highly pleasing, and the powers of imitation are very great. MODENA 689 Mocking Bird (Mimus polyglottus). The common mocking bird (M. polyglottus^ Boie) is about 9 in. long, with an extent of wings of 13|; the bill and legs are black; the general color above is ashy brown, a little the darkest in the centre ; the under parts white, with a brownish tinge except on the chin, and a shade of ash across the breast ; a pale super- ciliary stripe ; wings and tail nearly black ; lesser wing coverts like the back, the middle and greater tipped with white, forming two bands; outer tail feather white, the second mostly so, the third with a white spot on the end, and the rest, except the middle, slightly tipped with white. It is found in the southern United States, from the Atlantic to the high central plains, replaced by the M. montamts (Bonap.) to the westward. The song of the mocking bird, in its mellowness, modulations and gradations, compass, and brilliancy of exe- cution, is unrivalled; it can adapt its tongue to any note ; it deceives the sportsman, cheats and terrifies birds, whistles to the dog, and imitates almost every sound, animate or in- animate; it sings charmingly at night, com- mencing as soon as the moon rises ; its finest song is during the breeding season. It delights to build in gardens near nouses ; the eggs are usually five, light green with brown spots and blotches. They begin to pair toward the end of March, and three broods are generally raised between that and the last of September. They remain in the gulf states all the year ; some go to the north in the spring, returning in Octo- ber ; they are most plentiful near the seashore, in sandy districts scantily furnished with trees ; in winter they live principally about the farm houses and plantations. Their motions on the ground are light and elegant, accompanied by frequent openings of the wings and tail ; the flight is short and jerking. The call note is very mournful, like that of the M. rufus (Boie), the French mocking bird so called. Its cour- age is sufficient to defend it against most birds of prey. It is easily reared by hand from the nest, and becomes very familiar and affection- ate in confinement; its vocal powers, though great in captivity, are very much greater in its native haunts; it is long-lived, and a good singer always commands a high price. The female differs little from the male, but the plu- mage is somewhat duller. The M. Carolinen- sis (Gray) has been described under CATBIRD. Other species are described in South America, and on the Pacific coast of North America, all possessing remarkable powers of song. MODKNi. I. A former duchy of northern Italy, bordering on Mantua, Ferrara, Bologna, Lucca, Genoa, Parma, and the Mediterranean ; area, about 2,300 sq. m. It comprised Modena proper, Reggio, Guastalla, Frignana, Garfa- gnana, Massa-Carrara, and Lunigiana. The last three divisions lie S. of the Apennines, the main ridge of which crosses the southern portion of the territory, sending off extensive spurs. The highest summit is Monte Cimone, 7,000 ft. The territory of Modena extended from the Po to the Mediterranean, the coast being small and destitute of harbors. About one third of it, watered by the Panaro, forms part of the great and fertile plain of Lombar- dy. The principal river is tbe Secchia, which after a winding course of 100 m. joins the Po opposite the mouth of the Mincio. The prin- cipal productions are wheat, maize, hemp, flax, rice, pulse, olives, wine, and silk. Agri- culture is backward, but improving. Few of the farms -exceed 60 acres ; dairy pasture pre- vails to some extent in the valley of Garfa- gnana ; a few families own the large flocks of Apennine sheep. The vine is most extensive- ly cultivated near Reggio and the city of Mo- dena. The mountains abound with oak, pine, and chestnut. Iron and other minerals are found, and the marble of Carrara is a lucrative article of export. The territory now forms three provinces of the kingdom of Italy : Mo- dena, Reggio, and Massa e Carrara. Its his- tory is given in connection with that of the city. II. A province of the kingdom of Italy, embracing of the former duchy of Modena the provinces of Modena and Frignana ; area, 966 sq. m. ; pop. in 1872, 273,231. III. A city (anc. Mutina), capital of the province, beautifully situated in a plain between the Pa- naro and the Secchia, 23 m. N. W. of Bologna; pop. in 1872, 56,690. It has a citadel, is sur- rounded with ramparts, and is divided into the new and old city, a part of the ^Emilian way intersecting it. The Gothic duomo or cathedral contains interesting tombs, one of which, designed by Giulio Romano, is celebra- ted on account of its square marble tower, one of the highest in Italy. Famous among the numerous churches, on account of their colos-