236 



EVOLUTION OF BIRD-SONG 



Of the musical intervals in alarm-cries I have 

 recorded none but a few varieties of the blackbird's 

 alarm. The following are three " alarms " which 

 were heard at places about a mile apart : 





J^ 



^ 



The music of the hedge -accentor, like that of 

 the robin, is rapid and difficult to follow. The 

 three strains next recorded give a general idea of 

 the song : 





T^^ 



-->- 



:*!= 



m 



N — ^— S- 



-^^ 



-J^' 1!!^— t 



3^=^- 



m^ 



u g 



m 







The blackcap is another rapid singer. The first 



