ON THE SINGIXG OF BIRDS. 369 



so express myself) with superior judgement and 

 taste. .'-,.- 



I have therefore commonly observed, that 

 my nightingale began softly like the ancient 

 orators ; reserving its breath to swell certain 

 notes, which bv this means had a most astonish- 

 ing effect, and which eludes all verbal description. 



I have indeed taken down certain passages 

 which may be reduced to our musical intervals; 

 but though by these means one may form an 

 idea of some of the notes used, yet it is impos- 

 sible to give their comparative durations in point 

 of musical time, upon which the whole effect 

 must depend. 



I once procured a very capital player on the 

 flute to execute the notes which Kircher hath 

 engraved in his Aliisurgia, as being used by the 

 nightingale ; when, from want of not being able 

 to settle their respective lengths, it was impos- 

 sible to observe any traces almost of the night- 

 ingale's song. 



It may not be improper here to consider, whe- 

 ther the nightingale may not have a very formi- 

 dable competitor in the American mocking- 

 bird;* though almost all travellers agree, that 



* Turdus Amer'icanus minor canorus. Rays Syn. It is 

 called by the Indians, ContlatolU ; which is said to signify four 

 hundred tongues. See 2X%o Cateshy . Mimic Thrush. Ai'ct. ZasL 

 ii. 14. Lath. Syn. iii. 40. 



VOL. II. 2 B 



