The Complete Prose of T. S. Eliot: The Critical EditionVol. 4: English Lion, 1930-1933

Mocking-Birds. To the Editor of The New Statesman

The New Statesman, 36 (22 Nov 1930) 203-4

Sir, – I have just read Mr. Brian Howard’s interesting remarks about myself in your last issue but one. I was glad also to read Mr. Brooks’s historical corrections, which are entirely justified, except that instead of Mr. Huxley, a later arrival, he might have added one or two more eminent names. ²

It is not however on this subject, whereon I am hardly qualified, that I wish to take up your space. I write as an amateur ornithologist, to protest against Mr. Howard’s use of the mockingbird as an illustration. Mr. Howard, no doubt deluded by the name of this unfortunate bird (who is also doubly maligned by his scientific style of mimus polyglottos) seems to think that the mockingbird does nothing but mock. ³ I dare say I have listened to more mockingbirds than he has; and my own observation is supported by the great authority of Dr. Frank Chapman, who writes “in my experience many mockingbirds have no notes besides their own, and good mockers are exceptional.” I have less knowledge of nightingales, except for their literary associations which are useful; but I am ready to affirm that a fine mockingbird in his own pure-song is at least the nightingale’s equal. Dr. Chapman also says that the mockingbird “is a good citizen, and courting rather than shunning public life, shows an evident interest in the affairs of the day.” ⁴

I will add only a few words by another authority, Dr. R.W. Shufeldt, which I do not however quote as a specimen of prose style:

“I believe were he successfully introduced into those countries where the Nightingale flourishes, that princely performer might some day wince as he was obliged to listen to his own most powerful strains poured forth with all their native purity by this king of feathered mockers.” ⁵

I am, Sir,                           Your obliged servant, t. s. eliot