THE NIGHTINGALE. 363 



remove the scales from their legs and claws every three months 

 an operation which must be performed with the greatest 

 care. They will live fifteen years in confinement ; though it 

 is rare that a wild bird can be observed in one spot for so long 

 a period, a fact which may be accounted for by the depreda- 

 tions of fowlers and birds of prey. An instance is indeed 

 recorded of a Nightingale which was in the possession of its 

 owner for twenty-five years. After the sixth year it is observed 

 that they sing less frequently and pleasantly ; and it is there- 

 fore the most humane course to set them at liberty in May. 

 The fresh air, and the consciousness of liberty, have been 

 known so to invigorate old birds as to restore all the strength 

 and beauty of their song. 



Mode of Taking. In the early spring, and especially at the 

 pairing season, the Nightingale may be caught with very little 

 difficulty. All that is necessary is to make a shallow trench 

 in some dark-coloured soil, and place in it a few ants' eggs or 

 meal worms. The simplest contrivance a few limed twigs, 

 or a falling-net adjusted on two cross sticks is sufficient to 

 entrap the simple bird, which will even watch the fowler set 

 the trap, and hop into it before his back is turned. Even if it 

 be not perched within sight of the spot, it may be driven to it 

 with a little care and caution. It is thus easy for an expert 

 fowler to depopulate a whole district of these delightful song- 

 sters though at the same time his operations may be anti- 

 cipated, by catching the birds and again setting them at liberty ; 

 a proceeding which makes them very shy and cautious in 

 future. In many parts of Germany it is forbidden, under a 

 heavy pecuniary penalty, to catch Nightingales under any pre- 

 text whatever ; and in districts where this is not the case, only 

 certain privileged persons are allowed, under fixed restrictions, 

 to take or sell them. They may also be caught in nooses, 

 baited in spring with live meal worms instead of berries; 

 though this method is liable to the disadvantage that, however 

 firm the nooses may be, the bird is almost sure to injure its 

 feet in its struggles for freedom. 



Attractive Qualities. The chief recommendation of the 

 Nightingale is, of course, its voice, which I will endeavour to 

 describe as exactly as possible. It expresses its various emo- 

 tions and desires in different notes. The least significant of 

 them seems to be the simple whistle, Witt ! but if the gut- 



