[ 282 ] 
The next point of fuperiority in a nightingale is 
its continuance of fong, without a paule, which I 
have obferved fometimes not to be lets than twenty 
leconds. Whenever refpiration, however, became 
neceffary, it was taken with as much judgment as by 
an opera linger. 
The fkylark again, in this particular, is only fe- 
cond to the nightingale *. 
* I Ihall here infert a table, by which the comparative merit 
of the Britifh finging birds may be examined, the idea of which 
I have borrowed from Monf. de Piles, in his Conn de Peinture 
par Principe s. I {hall not be furprized, however, if, as he fug- 
gefts, many may difagree with me about particular birds, as he 
fufpafes they will do with him, concerning the merits of painters. 
As I have five columns inftead of the four which M. de Piles 
ufes, I make 20 the point of abfolute perfection, inftead of 16, 
which is his ftandard. 
Mellow- 
nefs of 
tone. 
Sprightly 
notes. 
Plaintive 
notes. 
Compafs 
NGhting-ale .... 
19 
14 
*9 
J 9 
Skylark 
4 
l 9 
4 
18 
Woodlark 
18 
4 
G 
12 
Titlark 
12 
12 
12 
12 
Linnet 
12 
16 
12 
16 
Goldfinch 
4 
19 
4 
12 
Chaffinch 
4 
12 
4 
8 
Greenfinch . ... 
4 
4 
4 
4 
Hedge-fparrow 
6 
0 
6 
4 
Aberdavine (or Sifkin) 
2 
4 
0 
4 
Redpoll ...... 
0 
4 
0 
4 
Thrufh 
4 
4 
4 
4 
Blackbird ..... 
4 
4 
0 
2 
Robin 
6 
j6 
12 
12 
Wren 
0 
12 
0 
4 
Reed-fparrow .... 
Black-cap, or the Norfolk 
0 
4 
0 
2 
Mock nightingale k 
14 
12 
12 
14 
Execu- 
tion. 
l 9 
18 
8 
12 
18 
1 
14 
k Brit. Zool. e>, 262, 
And 
to to t04x4i.4i.4fc CC to 
