OF BIRDS. 
153 
NIGHTINGALE, 
The Nightingale is not only famous among 
the moderns for its singing, but almost every 
one of the ancients who undertook to describe 
nature embellished, has contributed to raise 
its reputation. It is hardly possible to give 
on idea of the extraordinary power which 
this small bird possesses in his throat, as to 
extension of sound, sweetness of tone, and 
versatility of notes. His song is composed 
of several musical phrases, each of which 
docs not continue more than the third part 
of a minute, but they are so varied — the 
pussing from one tone to another is so fan- 
ciful and so rapid — the melody so sweet 
and so mellow, that the most consummate 
musician is pleasingly led to a deep sense 
of admiration at hearing him. The female 
lays five eggs. 
