60 WOOD NOTES WILD. 
times a whole octave, gurgling out his triplets with every 
upward movement. Occasionally, on reaching the height, 
the song bursts like a rocket, and the air is full of silver 
tones. A second flight, and the key changes with a fresh, 
wild, and enchanting effect. The hermit’s constant and 
apparently indiscriminate modulations or changes of tonic 
lend a leading charm to his performances. Start from 
what point he may, it always proves the right one 
When he moves off with — 
T 
and then, returning, steps up a degree and follows it with 
a similar strain, — 
it is like listening to the opening of a grand overture. 
Does one attempt to steal the enchanter’s notes, he is 
anticipated, and finds himself stolen, heart and all the 
senses. But it is folly to attempt a description of the 
music of the thrushes, of the skill and beauty of their 
styles of singing, and all as vain to try to describe 
their matchless voices. 
Ps ee lo —} 
a a A I an a 
