334 



NIGHTINGALE. 



the remaining- sex generally finds a second mate. This we have ob- 

 served in many species ; and Mr. White, in his History of Selborne, 

 remarks the same with respect to partridges. 



The male Nightingale, as well as all the migrative species of war- 

 blers, never quit the place they first resort to, but attract the female by 

 their song. It is probable, therefore, that such females who have not 

 at first paired, or by accident lose their mate, are continually wandering 

 in search of the other sex. 



The local situation of this bird, as well as many others, is pro- 

 bably occasioned by a peculiarity of food, which may be found in 

 some places, and not in others. It is said to be found only as far 

 north as Yorkshire ; and certainly not farther west than the eastern 

 borders of Devonshire ; although they are plentiful both in Somerset- 

 shire and Dorsetshire. Why they should not be found in all the 

 wooded parts of Devonshire and Cornwall, which appear equally calcu- 

 lated for their residence, both from the mildness of the air and variety 

 of ground, is beyond the naturalist's penetration. The bounds pre- 

 scribed to all animals, and even plants, is a curious and important fact 

 in the great works of nature. It has been observed, that the Nightin- 

 gale may possibly not be found in any part but where cowslips grow 

 plentifully ; certainly with respect to Devonshire and Cornwall this 

 coincidence is just. 



This bird resides wholly in woods and thickets, and so concealed that 

 it is seldom seen. It prepares a nest the latter end of May, of a very 

 simple construction, made of dry leaves, generally of the oak, and lined 

 with dry grass, usually placed on the ground amongst the same ma- 

 terials of which it is composed ; so that it is not easily discovered. 

 The eggs are four or five in number, of an uniform dark brown colour ; 

 those I have seen were dusky-green, rather larger than those of a hedge- 

 chanter ; their weight about forty-seven grains. As soon as the young 

 are hatched its song ceases, and it is no more heard during the remain- 

 der of its stay with us. It is a mistaken notion that this or any of the 

 later breeding birds have a second brood in the same season ; and we 

 may be assured, whenever a later brood than usual is found, some acci- 

 dent has befallen the rest. 



We have before asserted that the song of birds is the effusion of love ; 

 and though there are some who frequently sing in the autumn, and 

 even in winter, if the weather is mild, it does not follow that they have 

 a nest ; but their testes will always be found enlarged : these are only 

 such as are early breeders, as the redbreast, wren, and woodlark. 



