CHAPTER OF CRITICISM. 
427 
circumstance. The name “ Tree Redstarti” did not originate with us ; and was 
only adopted for its superiority over “ Common.” If, however, English names 
are of any importance in a scientific point of view, both u Tree” and “ Common” 
ought to be discarded.—3. Had there been two British Nightingales, we should 
not have been backward in announcing England’s good fortune in this respect. 
The addition of an English specific name is only in accordance with the uniform 
plan pursued throughout the volume.—4. This depends very much upon season 
and latitude.—5. This of course settles the matter.—6. The remark accords with 
the experience of almost every naturalist, and likewise with our own. Two 
holes have, however, been seen in the nest,—7. Our observation is supported by 
that of Charles Waterton, Esq., in his Wanderings , 2nd edit., p. 143.—8. 
The observation is valuable.—9. The season here has a remarkable effect. Pro¬ 
tracted winds will silence every chorister of the grove for weeks together. We 
have heard many birds sing in December and January which, nevertheless, 
commonly commence and regularly set in for the season in April. The Chaff- 
Finch is, however, an early singer.—10. Whether Botany or Ornithology has 
priority in this instance, we are not at present prepared to decide.—11. Had Mr. 
Bree taken the subsequent paragraph into consideration ( Song Birds , p. 380), 
he would have found that no difference exists between us on this head. While 
feeding, Cautiousness is absorbed, as it were, by Gustativeness.—12. In winter 
we find it shy, in summer not. In the latter season Philoprogenitiveness becomes 
more powerful than Cautiousness. That this bird sucks eggs, is contrary to our 
entire experience.—13. This is a new view of the case. Perhaps the balance 
is in favour of retaining the old name.—14. This might have been useful to the 
student, although we do not chime in with the indiscriminate admirers of the 
great artist.—15. Our Preface ought to have explained that our book was written 
before it was christened ; and that the least objectionable of several titles was 
then selected. The Swallows, accordingly, did not enter into the original plan ; 
further, had the Swallow been included on the score of musical ability, the Jay 
would put in a claim of at least equal force. The casual observer who has 
merely noticed the harsh scream of the Jay, may probably be inclined to split his 
sides with laughter at the thought of its being called a “ song birdbut Mr. Bree 
must have heard its soft and singular melody. 
We have to thank Mr. Bree for the kind and candid manner in which he has 
penned the above remarks; and may perhaps be allowed to congratulate ourselves 
upon the circumstance that in a volume of upwards of 400 closely-printed pages, 
containing no trifling mass of observations and opinions, so excellent a practical 
naturalist as our amiable correspondent has found so little to find fault with.— Ed.] 
