BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
151 
so faultlessly rendered, that the most austere critic could hardly fail to 
assign the performer a high place among the feathered choir. 
Like many of his kith, he does not seek the bare branch of some tall 
tree, where he can be seen, and thrill the air of vale and wood around 
with ear-splitting utterances. He despises such notoriety. Hid away in 
the leafy canopy that wreathes the brow of some gnarled oak, he loves to 
take his stand, and there pour out his soul in all the ecstasy of subdued 
song. Unpretentious as his music may be, and undervalued for its lack of 
force by the vast choir of singers around, yet it has a depth of power and 
feeling, which, as it is borne aloft upon the bosom of the gentle air, strikes 
the ears of some timid, modest creature, and startles the slumbering chords 
of her being into harmony. Life to her now acquires new vitality and 
enjoyment. With heart beating high with rapturous emotions, and urged 
by an irresistible desire, she betakes herself on swiftest pinions to the spot 
whence emanate the sounds. As she nears it, the music comes to her 
with fuller distinctness, and sends the heart-throbs following one another 
in happy, swift succession. The singer does not abate his efforts, but 
keeps them up with scarce an intermission, until they elicit a response, or 
the gentle, loving one is wafted to his immediate presence. On the recep- 
tion of a reply, his movements are restless and animated. But let the 
object of his thoughts but flit before his excited vision, and in a moment 
he is by her side. In a variety of actions which, from a human stand- 
point, seem meaningless and frivolous, he conveys to her his love, and the 
boundless appreciation of her worth. This done, he next attemi^ts a song, 
which seems to soothe her hitherto agitated feelings, and awakens confidence 
and resignation. He is not slow in perceiving the advantage thus acquired, 
and, consequently, follows it up with other advances, which complefelv 
place her at the disposal of his mercy and power. Conquered at last, 
she yields herself a willing subject to the potency of love, and becomes 
his wedded wife. 
The selection of a home-spot now claims the attention. High, open 
woods are preferred for this purpose, although trees along the borders of 
