THE ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. 
209 
The Dog Wood. 
Cornus FLORIDA, Willd., Sp. PI., vol. i. p. 661. Pur sch, Flor. Amer., vol. i. p. 108. 
— Tetrandria Monogynia, Linn. — Caprifolia, Puss. 
THE KOSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. 
Coccoborus ludoyicianus, Linn. 
PLATE CCY. — Hale, Female, and Young. 
One year, in the month of August, I was trudging along the shores of the 
Mohawk river, when night overtook me. Being little acquainted with that 
part of the country, I resolved to camp where I was ; the evening was calm 
and beautiful, the sky sparkled with stars, which were reflected by the 
smooth waters, and the deep shade of the rocks and trees of the opposite 
shore fell on the bosom of the stream, while gently from afar came on the 
ear the muttering sound of the cataract. My little fire was soon lighted 
under a rock, and, spreading out my scanty stock of provisions, I reclined 
on my grassy couch. As I looked around on the fading features of the 
beautiful landscape, my heart turned towards my distant home, where my 
friends were doubtless wishing me, as I wished them, a happy night and 
peaceful slumbers. Then were heard the barkings of the watch-dog, and I 
tapped my faithful companion to prevent his answering them. The thoughts 
of my worldly mission then came over my mind, and having thanked the 
Creator of all for his never-failing mercy, I closed my eyes, and was passing 
away into the world of dreaming existence, when suddenly there burst on 
my soul the serenade of the Rose-breasted bird, so rich, so mellow, so loud 
in the stillness of the night, that sleep fled from my eyelids. Never did I 
enjoy music more : it thrilled through my heart, and surrounded me with 
an atmosphere of bliss. One might easily have imagined that even the 
Owl, charmed by such delightful music, remained reverently silent. Long 
after the sounds ceased did I enjoy them, and when all had again become 
still, I stretched out my wearied limbs, and gave myself up to the luxury 
of repose. In the morning I awoke vigorous as ever, and prepared to con- 
tinue my journey. 
