THE ENGLISH NIGHTINGALE. V2?> 



There is a great difference in the voices of Nightingales, just the same as in a 

 great many classes of song-birds. This difference cannot be easily accounted for : 

 it may be that the teaching of the inferior-singing Nightingales has been defective ; 

 in other cases, where the Nightingale is reared in forests where various song-birds 

 abound, he has been excited by rivalry or jealousy to perfect his own song to the 

 highest degree : and these peculiarities may be transmitted from generation to gen- 

 eration. The same conditions of rivalry do not exist in all. the different parts of 

 the world which the Nightingale inhabits, therefore there is the difference in the 

 voices of birds of the same species which grow up under different circumstances. 

 This rivalry of the choice songsters extends to the small districts where they are 

 trapped, and bird-lovers of one district may claim a superiority for the birds of their 

 own country over these of a neighboring one. Many discussions have arisen as to 

 the relative merits of the English Nightingale and the American Mocking-bird. 

 It is admitted that both birds are the leading representatives in song of the countries 

 which they represent. Perhaps the discussion will never be fully decided ; for it is 

 almost impossible to compare the songs of the two birds, they are so unlike in style. 

 The Nightingale probably rivals the Mocking-bird in the power, brilliancy, and quality 

 of the natural notes ; but, while a mimic in a small degree, he cannot bear compar- 

 ison with the Mocking-bird in this respect. As the styles of the songs are so widely 

 different, it would, perhaps, be as well to allow them to stand, each as a representa- 

 tive of a style peculiarly his own, and not bring them into competition. 



A Nightingale is often induced to sing in confinement by the jealousy created by 

 being hung near some other constant good singer. The rivalry thus created puts 

 the king to his best efforts ; and by this means he is kept in song many months in 

 the year, when otherwise he would be silent. 



The Nightingale, when kept in good health and spirits, remains in song about 

 eight months of the year. The song is not sung with the same zeal throughout the 

 entire period of singing : it is during the mating season the song of the bird is the 

 most beautiful. In the wild state, owing to the migratory character of the bird, and 

 the absence of song at certain seasons of the year, he is heard only about three 

 months out of the twelve. The food of the Nightingale, when first caged, should be 

 of the most nourishing kind possible. He is an exceedingly sensitive, nervous bird ; 

 and stimulating food is a necessity to him. The Nightingale paste, as given in 

 " Recipes," is the best food. When first confined, he should also daily have in addi- 

 tion, for about two weeks, three or four meal-worms. Gradually add the regular 

 prepared Mocking-bird food to the mixture, so that he may become accustomed to it. 

 To feed nothing but the prepared food and carrot at first, would be the means of 

 bringing on, perhaps, a fatal sickness. After he has been gradually induced to eat the 

 prepared food, the mixture may be withdrawn ; and ants' eggs, scalded until soft and 

 swollen, should be daily added to the prepared food and carrot. The meal-worms 

 should not be given too freely when he is accustomed to the prepared food ; but two 

 or three at a time, twice or three times each week, is sufficient for him. In addition 

 to this, a great variety of other food may be given him. Currants thoroughly 

 soaked, and placed on top of the food, are a healthy and attractive dish. Ripe 

 berries or fruits in their seasons, may be frequently given as a change, although they 

 should not be allowed to grow sour or stale while remaining in the cage. Of live 



