THE NIGHTINGALE. 



PHILOMELA L USC INI A. 



AMONGST all the birds of song the Nightingale by 

 common consent takes precedence. Few species 

 have attracted greater attention in the countries 

 where it is known, and poets and naturalists have 

 been alike eloquent in its praise. 



It is popularly, but erroneously, believed that the 

 Nightingale warbles only at eve, perhaps because 

 amidst the general chorus by day its song is less 

 remarked. But that it sings constantly by day is a 

 fact of which we have had repeated proof. Nor is it 

 by any means the only bird which is heard at night. 

 We have frequently listened to the Thrush, Sky 

 Lark, Wood Lark, Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper 

 Warbler, long after sunset, and have heard the 

 Cuckoo and the Landrail just before midnight. 



It is curious how few of those who profess a 

 love for song-birds have a sufficiently good ear to 



