528 GRANIVOROUS BIRDS. 



May, where it has a nest of 5 eggs, and then retires in 

 Aufifust. It is also unknown in the Southern States. Ac- 

 cording to Bonaparte, its nest is concealed amidst the 

 thick foliage of the shady forests, where it delights to 

 dwell in solitude. Externally it is composed of twigs, and 

 lined with slender grass ; and the eggs are 4 or 5, white, 

 spotted with brown. My friend, Mr. Cooper, remarks, 

 that though this species is rare in the vicinity of New 

 York, a few probably breed in the woods of the Hudson, 

 as at Tappan, 30 miles up that river, they are frequently 

 seen in the cherry trees in the month of June ; and 

 they are said to be numerous in the forests along the 

 south shore of Lake Erie, and usually breed there. It 

 thrives very well in a cage, is a most melodious and in- 

 defatigable warbler, frequently, in fine weather, as in its 

 state of freedom, passing a great part of the night in sing- 

 ing, with all the varied and touching tones of the Night- 

 ingale; while thus earnestly engaged, it seems to mount 

 on tiptoe in an ecstasy of enthusiasm and delight, at the 

 unrivalled harmony of its own voice. The notes are wholly 

 warbled, now loud, clear, and vaulting, with a querulous 

 air, then perhaps sprightly, and finally lower, tender, and 

 pathetic. In short, I am not acquainted with any of our 

 birds superior in song, to the present, with the solitary 

 exception of our Orphean Mocking-Bird. 



The Louisiana Grosbeak is fed upon the usual kinds of 

 bird-seed, and in their wild state seem to be peculiarly 

 fond of the kernels of the sour-gum berries ; they proba- 

 bly also feed upon the berri^ of the juniper, which 

 abound in the regions they usually inhabit. 



This species is 8:^ inches long, and 13 in extent. Above black, - 

 except the 2d row of wing-eoverts, which are broadly tipt with 

 white ; a spot of the same exists on the primaries. The chin, neck, 

 and upper parts of the breast are also black. Lower part of the 



