BIRDS IN A VILLAGE. 
33 
uncommon little bird, it may seem that I am over- 
stating the charm of its melody. I can only say 
that the mood I was then in made me very keenly 
appreciative ; also that I have never heard any 
other individual of this species able to produce 
the same effect. We know that there are quite 
remarkable differences in the songs of birds of the 
same species, that among several that appear to be 
perfect and to sing alike one will possess a charm 
above the other. The truth is they are not alike ; 
they affect us differently, but the sense is not fine 
enough or not sufficiently trained to detect the 
cause. The poet's words may be used of this 
natural melody as well as of the works of art — 
O the little more, and how much it is ! 
There were about the village, within a few 
minutes' walk of the cottage, not fewer than half 
a dozen tree pipits, each inhabiting a favourite spot 
where I could always count on finding and hearing 
him at almost any hour of the day from sunrise to 
sunset. Yet I cared not for these. To the one 
chosen bird I returned daily to spend the hot hours, 
lying in the shade and listening to his strain. 
Finally I allowed two or three days to slip by, and 
when I revisited the old spot the secret charm had 
vanished. The bird was there, and rose and fell 
as formerly, pouring out his melody; but it was 
D 
