100 
SYLVIAD.E. 
dam. These plantations are situated in a warm and shel¬ 
tered spot, being on low lands that have been recovered from 
the sea. 
In captivity, the Nightingale sings in the day as well as 
in the night, in Avinter and in summer, except during the 
period of moulting. We have observed that birds, even in 
the house, are always silent and subdued during a thunder¬ 
storm. A Nightingale that Ave had in Holland, where severe 
thunderstorms are very prevalent in hot Aveather, ahvays fore¬ 
warned us of the moment Avhen the severity of the storm Avas 
beginning to give Avay, by breaking forth into his sweet song 
before any other sign of its abatement was apparent to us. 
The Nightingale is of a solitary disposition as far as re¬ 
gards his oAvm species, and very tenacious of the undisturbed 
possession of his OAvn domain; Avhich may indeed be consi¬ 
dered his by former tenure or hereditary right, as this species 
is belicA^ed invariably to return, year after year, to pass the 
summer in the place of its birth. When re-established in 
their summer haunt, these birds Avander but little, but may 
be heard nightly to pour forth, each from his respective tree, 
their plaintive melody. This fact may be observed by any 
one at all conversant Avith these birds, as there exists great 
variation in the qualities of their song, some being much 
finer singers than others. 
The Nightingale constructs its nest either upon the ground 
or against a stem at the elevation of two or three feet above 
it; the locality chosen is usually a plantation, grove, or 
thick overhanging hedge in a sheltered spot, Avhere the air 
is fresh and cool and the ground moist. The nest is gene¬ 
rally composed chiefly of fallen leaA^es. A specimen in our 
possession is formed of dead leaves of the oak, which are 
curiously and beautifully arranged. Each leaf is placed 
nearly upright, Avith its stalk toAvards the base of the nest, 
and a number of leaA'es being employed, and placed Avith 
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