116 INSESSORES. 



is abundant, where its familiar and oft-repeated cry 

 of " Chuck-wills-widow ! " is kept up during a great 

 part of the night. It is impossible to find language 

 to convey a just idea of the impression which the 

 notes of this bird produce upon the mind. Imagine 

 ourselves in the midst of a southern forest; tall pines, 

 interspersed with oaks and other forest trees, occupy 

 the ground for many miles around, covering it with 

 a broad canopy of shade, with here and there a wide 

 opening vista, through which the light may penetrate. 

 The sultry air is beginning to feel the cooling effects 

 of the falling dew, the sun has long since sunk to 

 his rest, the tree-tops wave gently in the twilight 

 gale, the feathered songsters that have tenanted the 

 air during the long day have retired to their nests, 

 the bee hums no more with her busy wing, and all 

 Nature is seemingly gathered into a sweet repose, 

 over which the quiet moon reigns with a serene ma- 

 jesty. This lull, however, is but temporary, an in- 

 terregnum between the dominion of day and the em- 

 pire of night; soon the screams of the wild-cat are 

 heard in the distance, as she sallies forth in quest of 

 her evening meal ; the hooting of some monstrous 

 owl, that sails like a dim spectre overhead, salutes 

 the ear ; frogs, lizards, and other reptiles are hopping, 

 skipping, and jumping about our feet; the whole air 

 becomes tenanted with a numerous insect life; and 

 a mingled chorus of hum, buzz, and chirp, every- 

 where prevails. We pause at one of the beautifully 

 expanded vistas, through which the full-orbed moon 

 gently darts her silvery beams, and gaze in silent 



