114 
THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS. 
land, and by far the greater portion of Scotland ; in 
which lastmentioned kingdom, the species has once or 
twice occurred to the eastward only of this meridian.'^ 
How wonderful is the emigration of these delicate 
and fragile little creatures, and how it proves the 
goodness of the Almighty, in endowing them with 
strength to take such long flights as is requisite to 
transport them from clime to clime, as the seasons 
change, and the difficulty in obtaining their food in- 
creases. Thus, though these birds abound with us 
during the summer, they seek, in winter, those 
countries where insects are most plentiful. 
These sweet songsters are frequently immured in 
cages, though keeping them confined is attended 
with much difficulty and trouble, their food being 
insects and meal-worms. 
The nightingale has been the subject of many 
fabulous tales. Among them we are told that Pan- 
dion had two beautiful daughters, named Procne 
and Philomela ; the former was married to Tereus, 
king of Thrace. At the expiration of a few years, 
Procne felt desirous of seeing her sister ; and Tereus, 
wishing to gratify the sisterly affection of his wife, 
undertook to go himself, hoping to persuade Pan- 
