( OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 237 



ardor of feeling between the sexes which exhibits 

 itself in the power of song. 



With most species song is assumed about the 

 mating-pe#iod by the males, in order to attract 

 the females on their arrival, or to captivate them 

 by the power,of its charms. Darwin in specula- 

 ting upon this subject, views it in this light. The 

 most highly favored males in this respect, possess 

 a decided advantage over their less favored 

 brethren; and, consequendy, stand the better 

 chance to be selected by the more specially favored 

 of the opposite sex. Thus, by natural 'selection, 

 would have been developed from a few rude 

 inharmonious sounds, that succession of agreeable 

 notes called melody, which characterize, in an emi- 

 nent degree, many of our aves. As a rule, though 

 subject to some exceptions, however,' beauty of 

 sorig and plainness of attire are co-existent. On 

 the' other hand, a showy garb is mostly attended 

 with lack of song. So it happens that either, 

 separately, or the two in conjunction, are the 

 objects of special attention by tlje sexes. 



While song is mainly designed upon the part 

 of the male to influence the female in the matter 

 of choice, it is plain that it is often indulged in as 

 a thing of enjoyment. Primitively, and at present 

 to a certain degree, it is awakened by amatory 

 influences. Coming back from this digression, it 

 is probable that the species under consideration 

 in its northern quarters is possessed of a song, 

 and even also in certain localities where the sur- 



