194 WILD SCENES AND SONG-BIRDS. 



the heart, the delightful music of this harbinger of day ! 

 and how fervently, on such occasions, have I blessed the 

 Being who formed the Wood Thrush, and placed it in those 

 solitary forests, as if to console me amidst my privations, to 

 cheer my depressed mind, and to make me feel, as I did, that 

 never ought man to despair, whatever may be his situation, 

 as he can never be certain that aid and deliverance are .not 

 at hand. 



" The Wood Thrush seldom commits a mistake after such 

 a storm as I have attempted to describe, for no sooner are its 

 sweet notes heard than the heavens gradually clear, the 

 bright, refracted light rises in gladdening rays from beneath 

 the distant horizon, the effulgent beams increase in their 

 intensity, and the great orb of day at length bursts on the 

 sight. The gray vapor that floats along the ground is quick- 

 ly dissipated, the world smiles at the happy change, and the 

 woods are soon heard to echo the joyous thanks of their 

 many songsters. At that moment all fears vanish, giving 

 place to an inspiring hope. The hunter prepares to leave 

 his camp. He listens to the Wood Thrush, while he thinks 

 of the course which he ought to pursue, and as the bird ap- 

 proaches to peep at him, and learn somewhat of his inten- 

 tions, he raises his mind toward the Supreme Disposer of 

 events. Seldom, indeed, have. I heard the song of this 

 Thrush, without feeling all that tranquillity of mind to which 

 the secluded situation in which it delights is so favorable. 

 The thickest and darkest woods seem to please it best. The 

 borders of murmuring streamlets, overshadowed by the 

 dense foliage of the lofty trees growing on the gentle declivi- 

 ties, amidst which the sunbeams seldom penetrate, are its 

 favorite resorts. There it is, kind reader, that the musical 

 powers of this hermit of the woods must be heard, to be fully 

 appreciated and enjoyed. 



" The song of the Wood Thrush, although composed of 

 but few notes, is so powerful, distinct, clear and mellow, that 

 it is impossible for any person to hear without being struck 



