38 The late Dr. Jenner 
the mellow black-bird seeks the inferior branches. Should 
the sun, having been eclipsed with a cloud, shine forth with 
fresh effulgence, how frequently we see the goldfinch perch 
on some blossomed bough, and hear his song poured forth 
in a strain peculiarly energetic ; much more sonorous and 
lively now than at any other time ; while the sun, full shining 
on his beautiful plumes, displays his golden wings and crim- 
son crest to charming advantage. The notes of the cuckoo 
blend with this cheering concert in a perfectly pleasing man- 
ner, and, for a short time, are highly grateful to the ear ; 
but, sweet as this singular song is, it would tire by its uni- 
formity, were it not given in so transient a manner. At 
length, evening advances — the performers gradually retire, 
and the concert softly dies away. The sun is seen no more. 
The robin again sets up his twilight song, till the still more 
serene hour of night sends him to the bower to rest. And 
now to close the scene in full and perfect harmony, no sooner 
is the voice of the robin hushed, and night again spreads a 
gloom over the horizon, than the owl sends forth his slow 
and solemn tones. They are more than plaintive, and less 
than melancholy, and tend to inspire the imagination with a 
train of contemplations well adapted to the serious hour. 
Thus we see that birds, the subject of my present enquiry, 
bear no inconsiderable share in harmonizing some of the 
most beautiful and interesting scenes in nature. 
But let me here remark — how ill would the singing of 
birds agree with the general appearance of winter — the leaf- 
less tree,- — the snowy mead, — the frozen rivulet ! Yet it must 
be noticed here, that these rigors, in the midst of this dreary 
season, are sometimes suddenly softened, and a temperate 
