MISFRESS: CUCKOO 
multitudes who, nevertheless, are 
not only totally ignorant of its 
# appearance and habits, but who 
know its peculiar sound—‘‘ twin notes insepa- 
rably paired ’’—only by their world-wide and 
accurate imitation. To such it has a singular 
unreality ; while for those, too, who have act- 
ual acquaintance with this ‘* wandering Voice,’’ 
it calls forth avery different sentiment from 
that which any other bird awakens. ; 
Comparatively rare and silent, and very se- 
clusive, its very tone gives it a shadowy atmos- 
phere, and its personality is that of something 
distant, incorporeal. In contrast with our 
cheerful, clear-toned songsters, that come promi- 
nently into view, the cuckoo is a pensive spirit, 
lurking among the trees, and at long intervals 
uttering its singular cry, now harsh and mean- 
ingless, now musical and melancholy, a tone 

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