116 INSESSORES. 
is abundant, where its familiar and oft-repeated ery 
of “ Chuck-wills-widow!” is kept up during a great 
part of the night. It is impossible to find language 
to convey a just idea of the impression which the 
notes of this bird produce upon the mind. Imagine 
ourselves in the midst of a southern forest; tall pines, 
interspersed with oaks and other forest trees, occupy 
the ground for many miles around, covering it with 
a broad canopy of shade, with here and there a wide 
opening vista, through which the light may penetrate. 
The sultry air is beginning to feel the cooling effects 
of the falling dew, — the sun has long since sunk to 
his rest, — the tree-tops wave gently in the twilight 
gale,—the feathered songsters that have tenanted the 
air during the long day have retired to their nests,— 
the bee hums no more with her busy wing, and all 
Nature is seemingly gathered into a sweet repose, 
over which the quiet moon reigns with a serene ma- 
jesty. This lull, however, is but temporary, an in- 
terreenum between the dominion of day and the em- 
pire of night; soon the screams of the wild-cat are 
heard in the distance, as she sallies forth in quest of 
her evening meal; the hooting of some monstrous 
owl, that sails like a dim spectre overhead, salutes 
the ear; frogs, lizards, and other reptiles are hopping, 
skipping, and jumping about our feet; the whole air 
becomes tenanted with a numerous insect life; and 
a mingled chorus of hum, buzz, and chirp, every- 
where prevails. We pause at one of the beautifully 
expanded vistas, through which the full-orbed moon 
gently darts her silvery beams, and gaze in silent 
