OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 



237 



ardor of feeling between the sexes which exhibits 

 itself in the power of song. 



With most species song is assumed about the 

 mating-period by the males, in order to attract 

 the females on their arrival, or to captivate them 

 by the power of its charms. Darwin in specula- 

 ting upon this subject, views it in this light. The 

 most highly favored males in this respect, possess 

 a decided advantage over their less favored 

 brethren; and, consequently, stand the better 

 chance to be selected by the more specially favored 

 of the opposite sex. Thus, by natural selection, 

 would have been developed from a few rude 

 inharmonious sounds, that succession of agreeable 

 notes called melody, which characterize, in an emi- 

 nent degree, many of our aves. As a rule, though 

 subject to some exceptions, however, beauty of 

 song and plainness of attire are co-existent. On 

 the other hand, a showy garb is mostly attended 

 with lack of song. So it happens that either, 

 separately, or the two in conjunction, are the 

 objects of special attention by the sexes. 



-While song is mainly designed upon the part 

 of the male to influence the female in the matter 

 of choice, it is plain that it is often indulged in as 

 a thing of enjoyment. Primitively, and at present 

 to a certain degree, it is awakened by amatory 

 influences. Coining back from this digression, it 

 is probable that the species under consideration 

 in its northern quarters is possessed of a song, 

 and even also in certain localities where the sur- 



