THE NIGHTINGALE. 



scribed than in the words of the ingenious author of 



J/IIistoire des Oiseaux. " The leader of the ver- 



)\al chorus begins with a low and timid voice, and 

 prepares the hymn to nature, by essaying his powers 

 and attuning his organs; by degrees the sound opens 

 and swells, it bursts with loud and vivid flashes, it 

 ilows with volubility, it faints and murmurs, it shakes 

 with rapid and violent articulations; the soft breath- 

 ings of love and joy are poured from his inmost soul 

 und ever}' heart beats unison and melts with delici- 

 ous languor. But this continued richness might sa- 

 tiate the ear. The strains are at times relieved by 

 pauses, which bestow dignity and elevation. The 

 mild silence of evening heightens the general effect j 

 and not a rival interrupts the solemn scene." 



Nothing can be added to this animated description 

 of the nightingale's song. It is, however, my deaf 

 Sir, much to be lamented that the delightfulness or 

 the fame of its music has too often been an induce- 

 ment to abridge the musician of its liberty, in order 

 to secure the enjoyment of its harmony. The organs 

 of this, as well as of all other songsters of the forests 

 and the fields are 



-Too delicately formed 



To brook the harsh confinement ol the cage." 

 Perhaps it is a fortunate circumstance for Philomel 

 that its external beauty does not correspond with the 

 sweetness of its music, and that it charms the most 

 when unseen. Possessing in so eminent a degree the 

 powers of melody, it has no need of the brilliant 

 plumage of the pheasant, the bird of Paradise, or the 

 humming bird, to render it more captivating; and 

 perhaps such additional attraction would subject it 

 still more to the tyranny of man. 



Its head and back are of a pale tawny colour dash- 

 ed with olive ; the throat, breast, and upper part of 

 the belly are of a light glossy ash colour, and the 

 lower part of the belly is almost white. The outside 

 webs of the quills are of a reddish brown ; the tail is 

 of a deep tawny red, and the eyes are remarkably 

 large and animated. 



