200 
THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS. 
descending, and with a swell, almost |like heavenly 
music, issuing from the clouds, and sinking by de- 
grees as it approaches that spot where all its affections 
are centered, once again to guard the partner of his 
joys, and to assist her in providing for their tender 
nurslings. 
These warblers are frequently kept in captivity, 
but their note is then much inferior to what it is 
when they are at liberty. To hear them to perfec- 
tion, we ought to seek them at the break of day, to 
visit them in the fields, the groves, observe them 
fluttering from branch to branch, and answering to 
their mates, then paying their tribute of praise while 
chaunting their matin song as they ascend above 
the clouds. How many, very many, are there, who 
speak as if enraptured with the melody of birds, who 
perhaps have only heard them in their captive state ! 
To feel the beauty of their music, we should seek 
them in their natal bowers. 
The skylark builds its nest upon the ground, be- 
neath a tuft of grass, which serves to hide and shelter 
its young. The hen lays four or five eggs, and 
while she is sitting, her faithful partner amuses her 
with his sweetest song— 
