ANDERSEN.—New Zealand and other Bird-song. 775 
even the minutest circumstance—the production of a new spot or gloss 
on a feather, the reddening of a comb or a wattle, or the inspiration of 
augment with the general flowering of that season. 
It is supposed that caged birds sing for a far longer period than they 
do in nature, not because their surroundings are more conducive to song, 
but because the functions that called the song into being have not been 
fulfilled. Mudie contends that no caged bird sings with the full power 
and freedom of the woodland song. Bolton, on the contrary, asserts 
(BH, vol. 2, pp. 28-29) that “in its wild state the nightingale sings only 
during some ten weeks of the year; but in confinement will continue its 
song for nine or ten months; and a caged nightingale sings with infinitely 
more sweetness than those abroad." In this “ sweetness ” Mudie recognizes 
“a blending of the cry of irritation and distress.” Тһе two writers hear 
different qualities in the same song, each influenced by his own feelings. 
A consideration of the period at which the song of various birds is at 
recovered, and the song is heard once more (TB, p. 149 et seg.—quoting 
from Newton’s Dictionary). It would appear to be altogether a t 
in their migration ? 
appear as much as à 
immediately commence their song. The song is at immature, u- 
ally reaching its perf : he Bares 
(CW, pp. 115-16). It is hardly likely that they sing without experiencing 
pleasure from their song, even in the absence of the (— can it be 
supposed that their pleasure is heightened by anticipation * Have they 
anything of the human emotion whereby 
We look before and after ; 
We sigh for what is not ? 
