266 HISTORY OF 



that one can count twenty. The nightingale's 

 pausing song would be the proper epithet for this 

 bird's music with us, which is more pleasing than 

 the warbling of any other bird, because it is heard 

 at a time when all the rest are silent. 



In the beginning of May the nightingale pre- 

 pares to make its nest, which is formed of the 

 leaves of trees, straw, and moss. The nest being 

 very eagerly sought after, is as cunningly secret- 

 ed ; so that but very few of them are found by the 

 boys when they go upon these pursuits. It is built 

 at the bottom of hedges, where the bushes are 

 thickest, and best covered. While the female 

 continues sitting, the male, at a good distance, 

 but always within hearing, cheers the patient 

 hour with his voice, and, by the short interrup- 

 tion of his song, often gives her warning of ap- 

 proaching danger. She lays four or five eggs, of 

 which but a part, in our cold climate, come to 

 maturity. 



The delicacy, or rather the fame, of this bird's 

 music, has induced many to abridge its liberty, to 

 be secured of its song. Indeed, the greatest part 

 of what has been written concerning it in our 

 country, consists in directions how to manage it 

 for domestic singing ; while the history of the 

 bird is confined to dry receipts for fitting it for 

 the cage. It* song, however, in captivity, is not 

 so very alluring ; and the tyranny of taking it 

 from those hedges where only it is most pleasing, 

 still more depreciates its imprisoned efforts. Ges- 

 ner assures us, that it is not only the most agree- 

 able songster in a cage, but that it is possessed of 



