Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Ornithology, Natural History, Taxonomy, Animal Behaviour, War, Politics, Nationalism

People mentioned:

John J Audubon

    Describes the American nation as if it were a bird of prey. The features and habits of this 'aërial Republican' include turning 'a disdainful tail upon those ancient Courts where garbage and aristocracy abide'. Ironically notes the ability of birds bred in 'different quarters of the great transatlantic continent—for example, North and South—sitting on the same perch' to show 'their willingness to live or die together'. Goes on to describe the 'President of the Crags and Mountain-tops' who is usually extremely amiable, except when it faces the 'old English Bull-dog', against which it 'manifests the fiercest animosity'. Observes that 'the Britisher is a cheerful old dog', regards with 'indifference' the hostility of the Yankee Eagle, and would 'gladly form one of a "happy family" embracing among other denizens of the Menagerie, the Yankee Eagle, the Gallican Cock, and the great Russian Bear'.