144 NATURAL AND CIVIL 



Catbird. Muscicapa Vertice N'lgro. 

 Golden Robin, or Goldfinch. Oriolus Aureus^ 

 Springbird. Fr'mgilla^ 

 Han8:bird. Oriolus Icterus, 



The only natm-al music, is that of birds. 

 In the uncultivated state, and parts of the coun- 

 try, this delightful sound is not to be heard. 

 Either disgusted v/ith so gloomy a scene, or 

 disliking the focd in the uncultivated lands, the 

 musical birds do not deign to dwell in such pla- 

 ces ; or to put forth their melody to the 

 rocks, and to the trees. But no sooner has 

 -man discharged his duty, cut doAvn the 

 trees, and opened the :&elds to the enli^'ening 

 influence of the air and the sun, than the birds 

 of harmony repair to the spot, and give it new- 

 charms by the animating accents of their music. 

 Frombreakofdaytillabout nine o'clock, the lovely 

 harmony is heard from every quarter. About 

 that time of day, the music ceases. The musi- 

 cians retire to other employments ; and there is 

 no further conceit, until next morning. This 

 is one of the most delightful scenes, which nature 

 affords : But like most of our delicate jDleasurcs, 

 it is not to be enjoyed, but in the cultivated 

 state. 



A great variety of birds generally resort to 

 the ponds, rivers, and lakes ; which on that ac- 

 count, arc commonly distinguished by the name 

 of Water Fowl. Among these aquatic birds^ 

 the most common are 



The Goose, three species. Aiiser Canademh^ 

 Duck, eight or ten. Anas 

 Teal, two. Anas. 

 Heron, two. Ardea* 



