366 
SIXGING BIRDS. 
On their arrival in the Middle States, in spring, violent con- 
tests sometimes ensue between the unmated and jealous males. 
When the dispute is for the present closed, the pair, probably 
for greater security, and dreading a recurring quarrel of doubt- 
ful issue, wander olf to a remote distance from their usual 
abode, and in this way, no doubt, occasionally visit countries 
but little frequented by the rest of their species. Early in 
May, it seems, in Pennsylvania, according to Wilson, they 
begin to prepare their nests, which are often placed in an ever- 
green bush, cedar, laurel, or holly. They usually raise two 
broods in the season. As they are so easily domesticated im- 
mediately after being caught in trap cages, it is unnecessary to 
raise them from the nest. By this kind of unnatural confine- 
ment, the brilliant color of the male is found sometimes to 
fade until it becomes of a pale whitish red. They live, how- 
ever, long in confinement, and an instance is known of one 
which had survived for 2 1 years. In the cage, they have not 
that variety of song which they exhibit in their native wilds ; 
and this, judging from the frequent repetition of the same 
phrase, would appear to be a monotonous performance, if the 
variety of expression, tone, and key did not perpetually relieve 
and enhance the character of the lay. His song also con- 
tinues for 6 or 8 months in the year, and is, even, as among 
the Thrushes, more lively in wet weather, the sadness of 
Nature, softening and soothing the tender vocalist into a lively, 
pathetic, and harmonious revery. So highly were these birds 
esteemed for their melody that, according to Gemelli Careri, 
the Spaniards of Havanna, in a time of public distress and 
scarcity, bought so many of these birds, with which a vessel 
was partly freighted, from Florida, that the sum expended, at 
10 dollars apiece, amounted to no less than 18,000 dollars! 
Indeed, Latham admits that the notes of our Cardinal “ are 
almost equal to those of the Nightingale,” the sweetest feath- 
ered mmstrel of Europe. The style of their performance is, 
however, wholly different. The bold, martial strains of the 
Redbird, though relieved by tender and exquisite touches, 
possess not the enchanting pathos, the elevated and varied 
