NIGHTINGALE. 301 
Tue Nicutincate is admitted beyond dispute to possess 
in a higher degree than any other British Bird each of the 
three requisites necessary to form by their combination a 
first-rate song. The volume, quality, and execution of its 
voice are unrivalled in this country ; and when the dimi- 
nutive size of the musician is considered, its powers are 
certainly very extraordinary. The song of the Nightingale 
has accordingly been the theme of writers of all ages, and 
few have expressed their admiration in more fervent or 
more natural terms than honest Isaac Walton, who loved 
birds almost as well as he loved fish, and says, ‘‘ But the 
Nightingale, another of my airy creatures, breathes such 
sweet loud music out of her little instrumental throat, that 
it might make mankind to think that miracles are not 
ceased. He that at midnight, when the very labourer 
sleeps securely, should hear, as I have very often, the clear 
airs, the sweet descants, the natural rising and falling, the 
doubling and redoubling of her voice, might well be lifted 
above earth, and say, ‘ Lord, what music hast thou pro- 
vided for the saints in Heaven, when thou affordest bad 
men such music on earth!” 
The Nightingale makes its appearance in this country 
generally about the middle of April, and the males arrive 
ten or fourteen days before the females. As the males sing 
well in confinement, and produce a price in proportion to 
the perfection of their song, their arrival is taken immediate 
advantage of. Many are caught by the London bird- 
catchers during the first week, and these are preserved 
without difficulty ; but if a male be caught after the fe- 
males have arrived, and his song and attentions have gained 
him a mate, he is almost certain not to survive his confine- 
ment in a cage ; and hence the desire among the dealers in 
birds to make the most of the very first of the season. 
