ON THE SINGING OF BIRDS. 
curing a livelihood but by copying music, and 
this is one of the reasons why so few composi- 
tions are published in Jtaly, as it would starve 
this refuse of society. 
But it may be said, that there hath been a 
Farinelli and a Manzoli, whose voices were so 
distinguishedly superior. a 
To this I again answer, that-the cataloged of 
‘such names would be a very short one; and that 
“we attribute those effecti.to_ castration, which 
should rather be ascribed to the education of 
~~ these singers. 
Castration commonly leaves the human voice. 
at the same pitch as when the operation is per- 
formed; but the eunuch, from that time, is 
educated with a view only to his future appear- 
ance on the opera stage; he therefore manages 
his voice to greater advantage, than those who 
have not so early and constant instruction. 
Considering the size of many singing birds, 
it is rather amazing at what a distance their 
notes may be heard. 
I think I may venture to say, that a nightin- 
gale may be very clearly distinguished at more 
than half a mile,* if the evening is calm. I have 
* Mons. de Buffon says, that the quadruped which he terms 
the huarine, may be heard at the distance of a league. Ornith. 
Tom. I. 
363 
