116 INSESSORES. 



is abundant, where its familiar and oft-repeated cry 

 of " Chuck-wills-widow ! " is kept up during a great 

 part of the night. It is impossible to find language 

 to convey a just idea of the impression which the 

 notes of this bird produce upon the mind. Imagine 

 ourselves in the midst of a southern forest; tall pines, 

 interspersed with oaks and other forest trees, occupy 

 the ground for many miles around, covering it with 

 a broad canopy of shade, with here and there a wide 

 opening vista, through which the light may penetrate. 

 The sultry air is beginning to feel the cooling effects 

 of the falling dew, — the sun has long since sunk to 

 his rest, — the tree-tops wave gently in the twilight 

 gale, — the feathered songsters that have tenanted the 

 air during the long day have retired to their nests, — 

 the bee hums no more with her busy wing, and all 

 Nature is seemingly gathered into a sweet repose, 

 over which the quiet moon reigns with a serene ma- 

 jesty. This lull, however, is but temporary, an in- 

 terregnum between the dominion of day and the em- 

 pire of night; soon the screams of the wild-cat are 

 heard in the distance, as she sallies forth in quest of 

 lier evening meal ; the hooting of some monstrous 

 owl, that sails like a dim spectre overhead, salutes 

 the ear ; frogs, lizards, and other reptiles are hopping, 

 skipping, and jumping about our feet; the whole air 

 becomes tenanted with a numerous insect life ; and 

 a mingled chorus of hum, buzz, and chirp, every- 

 where prevails. We pause at one of the beautifully 

 expanded vistas, through which the full-orbed moon 

 gently darts her silvery beams, and gaze in silent 



