( 166 ) 

 THE ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. 



FrINGILLA LUDOVICIANA, BoNAP. 

 PLATE CXXVII. Male, Female, and Young. 



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 resolved to camp where I was, the even- 

 ing was calm and beautiful, the sky sparkled with stars, which were re- 

 flected 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 bark- 

 ings of the watch-dog, and I tapped my faithful companion to prevent 

 his answering them. The thoughts of my worldly mission then came 

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

 ing 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 Rose-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 atmo- 

 sphere 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 aU had again become 

 still, I stretched out my wearied limbs, and gave myself up to the luxury 

 of repose. In the morning I awoke vigorous as ever, and prepared \a 

 continue my journey. 



I have frequently observed this beautiful species, early in the month 

 of March, in the lower parts of Louisiana, making its way eastward ; 

 and when residing at Henderson in Kentucky, and in Cincinnati in Ohio, 

 I have noticed the same circumstance. At this early period, it passes at 

 a considerable height in the air, and now and then alights on the tops of 



