XX. 



A SUMMER NIGHT IN THE WOODS. 



WHEN the decline of day is plainly perceptible in the 

 lengthened shadows of the trees, and the more refresh 

 ing coolness of the atmosphere, many species of birds, 

 that since morning have been silent, commence anew 

 their vocal revelry. Evening cornes not unattended by 

 the same captivating splendors that usher in the morn, 

 and the same melodies that herald her approach. As 

 she descends from her pavilion of crimson and amber, 

 to spread her twilight over the landscape, calling down 

 the gentle dews from heaven and bringing refreshment 

 to the drooping herbs, the heavens show forth their glad 

 ness in the myriad hues of sunset, and all animated 

 nature raises a shout of music and thankfulness. But 

 there is a pensiveness about the melodies of evening 

 that sweetly harmonizes with the sober meditative hour ; 

 and the same birds, that in the morning pour out their 

 melodious lays as from hearts full of rejoicing, now 

 whisper them in accents more subdued, like the quiet 

 breathing of the winds that are loath to disturb the 

 sleep of the flowers. 



Just before the sun's decline, the thrushes, which are 

 our proper forest warblers, are unusually tuneful, and con- 



