NIGHTINGALE. 
the remaining’ sex g’enerally finds a second mate. This we have ob- 
served in many species ; and Mr. White, in his History of Selborne, 
remarks the same with respect to partridges. 
The male Nightingale, as well as all the migrative species of war- 
blers, never quit the place they first resort to, but attract the female by 
their song. It is probable, therefore, that such females who have not 
at first paired, or by accident lose their mate, are continually wandering 
in search of the other sex. 
The local situation of this bird, as well as many others, is pro- 
bably occasioned by a peculiarity of food, which may be found in 
some places, and not in others. It is said to be found only as far 
north as Yorkshire ; and certainly not farther west than the eastern 
borders of Devonshire ; although they are plentiful both in Somerset- 
shire and Dorsetshire. Why they should not be found in all the 
wooded parts of Devonshire and Cornwall, which appear equally calcu- 
lated for their residence, both from the mildness of the air and variety 
of ground, is beyond the naturalist’s penetration. The bounds pre- 
scribed to all animals, and even plants, is a curious and important fact 
in the great works of nature. It has been observed, that the Nightin- 
gale may possibly not be found in any part but where cowslips grow 
plentifully; certainly with respect to Devonshire and Cornwall this 
coincidence is just. 
This bird resides wholly in woods and thickets, and so concealed that 
it is seldom seen. It prepares a nest the latter end of May, of a very 
simple construction, made of dry leaves, generally of the oak, and lined 
with dry grass, usually placed on the ground amongst the same ma- 
terials of which it is composed ; so that it is not easily discovered. 
The eggs are four or five in number, of an uniform dark brown colour ; 
those I have seen were dusky-green, rather larger than those of a hedge- 
chanter ; their weight about forty-seven grains. As soon as the young 
are hatched its song ceases, and it is no more heard during the remain- 
der of its stay with us. It is a mistaken notion that this or any of the 
later breeding birds have a second brood in the same season ; and we 
may be assured, whenever a later broo.d than usual is found, some acci- 
dent has befallen the rest. 
We have before asserted that the song of birds is the elfusion of love ; 
and though there are some who frequently sing in the autumn, and 
even in winter, if the weather is mild, it does not follow that they have 
a nest; but their testes will always be found enlarged: these are only 
such as are early breeders, as the redbreast, wren, and woodlark. 
