APRIL 59 



Another bird kept in confinement for over a year 

 frequently attempted to make its onomatopoeic call, 

 but never got fairly beyond an indistinct first 

 syllable. So that the little evidence obtainable 

 on the subject is insufficient to settle the question 

 whether the cuckoo's song is instinctive or imitative. 

 More observation is needed to decide the point, and 

 any evidence concerning it should be recorded, so 

 that in time the matter may be set at rest. A great 

 deal has been discovered of late years about the 

 habits of the cuckoo, but much remains to discover, 

 and I fancy that the better we know him and per- 

 haps more especially her the less respect we shall 

 have for the family in general. John Milton, who 

 knew most things, had but a small opinion of the 

 cuckoo, and doubtless could have instructed us on 

 the subject ; but he has refrained from any specific 

 accusation, and in one of the most beautiful of 

 his sonnets merely alludes to him as the "rude 

 Bird of Hate," and prays that he may not hear his 

 song before he has listened to that of the nightin- 

 gale, which will bring him the love for which he 



& 

 craves. 



" O Nightingale, that on yon bloomy Spray 

 Warbl'st at eeve, when all the Woods are still, 

 Thou with fresh hope the Lovers heart dost fill, 

 While the jolly hours lead on propitious May, 

 Thy liquid notes that close the eye of Day, 

 First heard before the shallow Cuccoo's bill 

 Portend success in love ; O if Jove's will 

 Have linkt that amorous power to thy soft lay, 

 Now timely sing, ere the rude Bird of Hate 

 Foretell my hopeles doom in som Grove ny : 

 As thou from yeer to yeer hast sung too late 

 For my relief; yet hadst no reason why, 

 Whether the Muse, or Love call thee his mate, 

 Both them I serve, and of their train am I." 



