FAMILY Fringillidz. 
of musical sounds indicated . . . appears to consti- 
tute the most perfect and complete form of the song: 
but it is varied in different localities and by different per- 
formers, as if among birds of the same species there 
were different degrees of musical talent” (that is true, 
his surmise is correct) ‘‘and different fashions in musi- 
cal education. In one place, where I had excellent 
opportunities to listen, the last three measures were sel- 
dom heard, or when heard, consisted each of a half- 
note. Of the first three half-notes, one or the other 
is sometimes omitted.” Evidently Dr. Leach did not 
take into account the immature bird which sings the im- 
mature song—for we must not forget that every youth- 
ful bird has his lesson to learn, and it is learned more or 
less perfectly,—and the season of the year which has 
everything to do with the form of the song. In Septem- 
ber and October, the bird pipes up again, but he rarely if 
ever finishes his song; also at this time there is anew 
singer or two just making his first essay at music. 
Again it has been my frequent experience that the song 
of the White-throat heard at a distance sounds this 
way: 
the last three triplets being merged each into one tremu- 
lous but sustained tone. Also Il have heard the bird sing 
within eight feet of my head and noticed an immensely 
high squeaky grace-note which introduced each group 
of triplets thus: 
Three times8va.. J Pu a 
Oh hear me ™ seas T theresa,? “Theresa. 
This bird gett stuttered! i aiistias 
