194 
WILD SCENES AND SONG-BIRDS. 
the heart, the delightful music of this harbinger of day ! — 
and how fervently, on such occasions, have I blessed the 
Being who formed the Wood Thrush, and placed it in those 
solitary forests, as if to console me amidst my privations, to 
cheer my depressed mind, and to make me feel, as I did, that 
never ought man to despair, whatever may be his situation, 
as he can never be certain that aid and deliverance are not 
at hand. 
The Wood Thrush seldom commits a mistake after such 
a storm as I have attempted to describe, for no sooner are its 
sweet notes heard than the heavens gradually clear, the 
bright, refracted light rises in gladdening rays from beneath 
the distant horizon, the effulgent beams increase in their 
intensity, and the great orb of day at length bursts on the 
sight. Tlie gray vapor that floats along the ground is quick- 
ly dissipated, the world smiles at the happy change, and the 
woods are soon heard to echo the joyous thanks of their 
many songsters. At that moment all fears vanish, giving 
place to an inspiring hope. The hunter prepares to leave 
his camp. He listens to the Wood Thrush, while he thinks 
of the course which he ought to pursue, and as the bird ap- 
proaches to peep at him, and learn somewhat of his inten- 
tions, he raises his mind toward the Supreme Disposer of 
events. Seldom, indeed, have I heard the song of this 
Thrush, without feeling all that tranquillity of mind to which 
the secluded situation in which it delights is so favorable. 
The thickest and darkest woods seem to please it best. The 
borders of murmuring streamlets, overshadowed by the 
dense foliage of the lofty trees growing on the gentle declivi- 
ties, amidst which the sunbeams seldom penetrate, are its 
favorite resorts. There it is, kind reader, that the musical 
powers of this hermit of the woods must be heard, to be fullj^ 
appreciated and enjoyed. 
" The song of the Wood Thrush, although composed of 
but few notes, is so powerful, distinct, clear and mellow, that 
it is impossible for any person to hear without being struck 
