116 
INSESSORES. 
is abundant, where its familiar and oft-repeated cry 
of “ Chuck-wills-widow ! ” is kept up during a great 
part of the night. It is impossible to find language 
to convey a just idea of the impression which the 
notes of this bird produce upon the mind. Imagine 
ourselves in the midst of a southern forest; tall pines, 
interspersed with oaks and other forest trees, occupy 
the ground for many miles around, covering it with 
a broad canopy of shade, with here and there a wide 
opening vista, through which the light may penetrate. 
The sultry air is beginning to feel the cooling effects 
of the falling dew, — the sun has long since sunk to 
his rest, — the tree-tops wave gently in the twilight 
gale, — the feathered songsters that have tenanted the 
air during the long day have retired to their nests, — 
the bee hums no more with her busy wing, and all 
Nature is seemingly gathered into a sweet repose, 
over which the quiet moon reigns with a serene ma- 
jesty. This lull, however, is but temporary, an in- 
terregnum between the dominion of day and the em- 
pire of night; soon the screams of the wild-cat are 
heard in the distance, as she sallies forth in quest of 
her evening meal ; the hooting of some monstrous 
owl, that sails like a dim spectre overhead, salutes 
the ear ; frogs, lizards, and other reptiles are hopping, 
skipping, and jumping about our feet; the whole air 
becomes tenanted with a numerous insect life; and 
a mingled chorus of hum, buzz, and chirp, every- 
where prevails. We pause at one of the beautifully 
expanded vistas, through which the full -orbed moon 
gently darts her silvery beams, and gaze in silent 
