THE OBGAN1ST. 89 



Description Supposed to be the bishop. 



place, with such dexterity, that it is impossible 

 to perceive him. Thus, though frequently there 

 may be several of these birds on a tree, yet he 

 cannot discern a single one, so attentive are they 

 to keep themselves concealed. 



The length of the organist is about four inches, 

 the plumage of the head and neck is blue ; the 

 back, wings, and tail, are 'black, changing to a 

 dark blue ; the breast, rump, and all the under 

 parts of the body, are of an orange yellow. 



In the history of Louisiana, by M. le Page 

 Dupratz, is the description of a small bird which 

 he calls the bishop, and which we conceive to be 

 the same with the organist. " The bishop," says 

 he, " is rather smaller than a canary, and its 

 plumage is blue, approaching to a violet colour, 

 from which circumstance it derives its name. 

 It feeds upon several sorts of grain, particularly 

 a kind of millet that grows spontaneously in the 

 country. Its throat is so soft and flexible, and 

 its note so tender, that those who have once 

 heard it, become much more sparing of their 

 praises of the nightingale. Its song continues 

 during the space of a Miserere, all which time it 

 does not appear to take breath. It then rests 

 twice as long, and instantly begins again ; and 

 this alternate singing and resting lasts for two 

 hours." 



VOL. iv. NO. 25. 



