OUT OF DOORS WITH NATURE. 
829 
strange charmer came to him in the wilds. It is Audubon 
who speaks : 
" One year, in the month of August, I was trudging along 
the shores of the Mohawk river, when night overtook me. 
Being little acquainted with that part of the country, I re- 
solved to camp where I was. The evening was calm and 
beautiful. The sky sparkled with stars, which were reflected 
by the smooth waters ; and the deep shade of the rocks and 
trees of the opposite shore fell on the bosom of the stream, 
while gently from afar came on the ear the muttering sound 
of the cataract. My little fire was soon lighted under a rock, 
and spreading out my scanty stock of provisions, I reclined 
on my grassy couch. As I looked around on the fading 
features of the beautiful landscape, my heart turned towards 
my distant home, where my friends were doubtless wishing 
me, as I wished them, a happy night and peaceful slumbers. 
Then were heard the barkings of the watch-dog, and I tapped 
my faithful companion to prevent his answering them. The 
thoughts of my worldly sins soon then came over my 
mind, and having thanked the Creator of all for his never- 
failing mercy, I closed my eyes, and was passing away into 
the world of dreaming existence, when suddenly there burst 
on my soul the serenade of the Eose-breasted bird, so rich, 
so mellow, so loud in the stillness of the night, that sleep fled ~ 
from my eyelids. Never did I enjoy music more ; it thrilled 
through my heart, and surrounded me with an atmosphere of 
bliss. One might easily have imagined that even the Owl, 
charmed by such delightful music, remained reverently silent. 
Long after the sounds ceased did I enjoy them ; and when 
all had again become still, I stretched out my wearied limbs, 
and gave myself up to the luxury of repose." 
After this charming picture, never think of " Savage^'' 
wildernesses again ; for doth not the Hunter-Naturalist tell 
you that beauty and melodies go everywhere hand and 
hand with nature. 
This lovely bird — a portrait of which my wife has given 
