ON THE SINGING OF BIRDS. 36; 



Curing a livelihood but by copying music, and 

 this is one of the reasons why so few composi- 

 tions are published in Italy, as it would starve 

 this refuse of society. 



But it may be said, that there hath been a 

 Farinelii and a Mctnsoii, whose voices were so 

 distinguishedly superior. 



To this I again answer, that the Catalogue of 

 such names would be a very shoft one; and that 

 we attribute those effects to castration, which 

 should rather be ascribed to the education of 

 these singers. 



Castration commonly leaves the humaft voice 

 at the same pitch as when the operation is per- 

 formed ; but the eunuch, from that time, is 

 educated with a view only to his future appear- 

 ance on the opera stage ; he therefore manages 

 his voice to greater advantage, than those who 

 have not so early and constant instruction. 



Considering the size of many singing birds, 

 it is rather amazing at what a distance their 

 notes may be heard. 



I think I may venture to say, that a nightin- 

 gale may be very clearly distinguished at more 

 than half a mile, * if the evening is calm. I have 



* Mons. de Buffon says, that the quadruped which he terms 

 the huarine, may be heard at the distance of a league. Ornith. 

 Tom, I. ■■- ■-., ■.-;-- 



