;2O Appendix. 



is in this book) of our visit to the nightingales at the vicarage, 

 in the Argosy ; and that article brought us some correspon- 

 dence, a portion of which, as it certainly embodied original 

 observation, and was suggestive of new explanations of cer- 

 tain facts, may be welcomed the more that it may lead to 

 further and fuller observation, comparison of experiences, 

 and definite results in what are at present doubtful questions. 

 At all events, some very interesting questions will be raised 

 about the nightingale's song and its effect upon other birds. 

 Some of the observations of my correspondent may do some- 

 thing to explain the very conflicting evidence we get about 

 the earliest or the latest dates at which nightingales have 

 been heard in a definite vicinity ; for, if other birds can, by 

 continuous effort, come to imitate the nightingale, perfecting 

 their imitation even after the nightingale has ceased, these 

 songs might well be mistaken in many cases for the song 

 of the nightingale itself. My correspondent not only speaks 

 for himself, but for others ; and it would be very valuable, 

 and help towards a settlement of the questions, if others 

 would give the result of their observations. 



"NORTHAM, DEVON, December 8, 1890. 



" DEAR SIR, In your article on nightingales in Sep- 

 tember Argosy, which has just come under my notice, you 

 say, ' How the other birds can sleep soundly in their beds 

 is indeed a wonder.' 



" The following facts may raise a doubt whether they do. 

 I have never seen observations of the kind in any Natural 

 History work, and therefore they may have an interest for 

 you and Mr. C. Wood, as naturalists. 



" In '72, I went to live on Shooters Hill, Kent. The 

 nightingales were very numerous, and as many of them 

 were in the garden, and when singing were often on trees 



