OUT OF DOORS WITH NATURE. 329 



strange charmer came to him in the wilds. It is Audubon 

 who speaks : 



" One year, in the month of August, I was trudging along 

 the shores of the Mohawk river, when night overtook me. 

 Being little acquainted with that part of the country, I re- 

 solved to camp where I was. The evening was calm and 

 beautiful. The sky sparkled with stars, which were reflected 

 by the smooth waters ; and the deep shade of the rocks and 

 trees of the opposite shore fell on the bosom of the stream, 

 while gently from afar came on the ear the muttering sound 

 of the cataract. My little fire was soon lighted under a rock, 

 and spreading out my scanty stock of provisions, I reclined 

 on my grassy couch. As I looked around on the fading 

 features of the beautiful landscape, my heart turned towards 

 my distant home, where my friends were doubtless wishing 

 me, as I wished them, a happy night and peaceful slumbers. 

 Then were heard the barkings of the watch-dog, and I tapped 

 my faithful companion to prevent his answering them. The 

 thoughts of my worldly sins soon then came over my 

 mind, and having thanked the Creator of all for his never- 

 failing mercy, I closed my eyes, and was passing away into 

 the world of dreaming existence, when suddenly there burst 

 on my soul the serenade of the Kose-breasted bird, so rich, 

 so mellow, so loud in the stillness of the night, that sleep fled 

 from my eyelids. Never did I enjoy music more ; it thrilled 

 through my heart, and surrounded me with an atmosphere of 

 bliss. One might easily have imagined that even the Owl, 

 charmed by such delightful music, remained reverently silent. 

 Long after the sounds ceased did I enjoy them ; and when 

 all had again become still, I stretched out my wearied limbs, 

 and gave myself up to the luxury of repose." 



After this charming picture, never think of " Savage" 

 wildernesses again ; for doth not the Hunter-Naturalist tell 

 you that beauty and melodies go everywhere hand and 

 hand with nature. 



This lovely bird; a portrait of which my wife has given 



