226 

 THE NIGHTINGALE, {PHILOMELA LUSGINIA) 



IJY R. A. JULIAN, ESQ., JUN. 



I WAS quite delighted to observe such well authenticated accounts recorded by 

 Mr. Bird, (at page 176 of "The Naturalist,") of the Nightingale having fre- 

 quently occurred in some parts of Devon. That gentleman, however, seems 

 to hint that observers are wanting in other parts to note the appearance of it 

 there also; I think the following query will be sufficient to stagger his 

 opinion : — 



Is it probable that if the Nightingale frequently visited localities between 

 Plymouth and Kingsbridge, the latter having been the residence of that very 

 accurate observer of nature. Colonel Montagu, he would have noticed it on 

 only one occasion? I have many times been informed by persons in the 

 neighbourhood of Plymouth, that during such a night they had heard a 

 Nightingale singing; but whenever I had an opportunity of accompanying them 

 to the spot on a future occasion, I have always been disappointed, the sup- 

 posed Nightingale proving to be a Woodlark, a common species with us, and 

 one which sings much during fine nights, and possesses notes but little inferior 

 to the far-famed warbler. I have had frequent opportunities of observing the 

 habits of the Nightingale in the neighbourhood of Cambridge, where, in the 

 season, this species abounds. It frequents spinnies and thickets about here, 

 distant from as well as near water. Of a fine evening I have heard quite a 

 dozen in a narrow plantation adjoining the high road between Cambridge and 

 Trumpsington. When all around is quiet, it delights to pour forth its pleasing 

 and ever-admired notes and strains from a conspicuous situation, such as the 

 branch of a tree above, or a top part of a thicket, into which, when disturbed, 

 it immediately resorts for protection, and will warble away within a few feet 

 of an intruder, or utter a croaking note, much resembling that of the frog; 

 defying the sharpest eyes to get a good view of it. 



This birds sings much during the day as well as night, more especially 

 on its arrival. A clod thrown into the thicket, or a rustling among the leaves, 

 is enough to make it commence, even if previously silent, its truly admirable ditty. 

 There is something in the formation and situation of the nest, placed usually 

 in some thorn stump, and not unfrequently touching the ground, at the foot 

 of a tree among a group of nettles or other weeds, to delight the eyes of a 

 spectator. The uniform olive brown eggs, (the shades varying a little in dif. 

 ferent nests,) from four to six, and rarely seven in number, deposited on a neat 

 lining of horse-hair or fibres, and frequently both mingled together, within an 

 exterior of dead leaves seemingly carelessly, but nevertheless skillfully put together, 

 are well worthy the notice of the lover of nature. I could say more in favour 

 of this elegant-formed, though not bright-coloured summer sojourner with us, 

 but I must forbear, as I fool incompetent to give it its due meed of praise, 



Emmanuel College, Camhridge, Novemher 1th., 1851. 



