)O0 HI9TORS or 



CHAP. VI. 



THE CUCKOO, AND ITS VARIETIES. 



Fkom a bird of which many fables have been reported, wa 

 pass to another that has not given less scope to fabulous inven- 

 tion. The note of" the cuckoo is known to all the world ; the 

 history and nature of the bird itself still remains in great ob- 

 scurity. That it devours its parent, that it changes its nature 

 with the season, and becomes a sparrow-hawk, were fables in- 

 vented of this bird, and are now sufficiently refuted. But where 

 it resides in winter, or how it provides lor its supply during that 

 season, still continues undiscovered. 



This singular bird, which is somewhat less than a pigeon, 

 shaped like a magpie, and of a grayish colour, is distinguished 

 from all other birds by its round prominent nostrils. Having 

 disappeared all the winter, it discovers itself in our country early 

 in the spring, by its well-known call. Its note is heard earlier 

 or later, as the season seems to be more or less forward, and 

 the weather more or less inviting. From the cheerful voice of 

 this bird the farmer may be instructed in the real advancement 

 of the year. The fallibility of human calendars is but too well 

 known ; but from this bird's note, the husbandman may be taught 

 when to sow his most useful seeds, and to do such work as de- 

 pends upon a certain temperature of the air. These feathered 

 guides come to us heaven-taught, and point out the true com- 

 mencement of the season. 



The cuckoo, that was silent some time after its appearance, 

 begins and at first feebly, at very distant intervals, to give its call, 

 which as the summer advances, improves both in its frequency 

 and loudness. This is an invitation to courtship, and used only 

 by the male, who sits generally perched upon some dead tree, 

 or bare bough, and repeats his song, which he loses as soon as 

 the genial season is over. His note is pleasant, though uni- 

 form ; and, from an association of ideas, seldom occurs to the 

 memory without reminding us of the sweets of summer. Cus- 

 tom too has affixed a more ludicrous association to this note ; 

 which, however, we that are bachelors need be in no pain about. 



