94 TREATISE ON 



little creatures were wonderful in keeping in uni- 

 son with the gentleman's song, but which thej 

 did in the most perfect manner. 



Woodlarks appear to be their principal compe- 

 titors for musical fame, though they will contend 

 in the same manner with any other songster — and 

 with such \dgom*5 spirit, and perseverance, thai 

 they seem rather resolved to die than be outdone. 

 In a domestic state this bird has been known to 

 contend with a woodlark for half an hour, till, 

 from exhaustion, he has been like to drop from his 

 perch — and probably might have done so, but 

 that the woodlark was silenced by the other's un- 

 conquerable spirit. The formation of this little 

 warbler's throat enables it to continue its song, 

 longer than any other bird, without taking breath : 

 When that becomes necessary, it does it with all 

 the skill of the most experienced opera singer, 

 the pause not being perceptible ; — again the straio 

 flows on, mellow, sprightly, rich, and plaintive.' 

 One cannot wonder, therefore, that the nightingale* 

 is esteemed the first of song-brids, and in all coun- 

 tries sought after with the greatest avidity. 



In most of the principal cities of Europe there' 

 are people who make a profession of rearing theray 

 the birds bringing very high prices ; but this pro-*- 



