EXPRESSION OF PERFECT HAPPINESS 179 
them as loud, rich, mellow, and much surpassing 
in effect those of any other native bird, excepting 
the nightingale, song thrush, black-cap, and garden 
warbler. I have heard individuals singing most 
fervently in the midst of a heavy thunder-storm, 
when the rain was falling thickly, and the lightning 
flashing at an alarming rate ; and both this species 
and the song thrush seem to regard the summer 
rains with pleasure. 
The sweet strain, loud, but mellowed by 
distance, comes upon the ear, inspiring pleasant 
thoughts, and banishing care and sorrow. The 
bird has evidently learned his part by long practice, 
for he sings sedately and in the full consciousness 
of superiority. Ceasing at intervals, he renews the 
strain, varying it so that although you can trace an 
occasional repetition of notes, the staves are 
precisely the same. You may sit an hour or 
longer, and yet the song will be continued; and in 
the neighbouring gardens many rival songsters will 
sometimes raise their voices at once, or delight you 
with alternate strains. And now, what is the 
purpose of all this melody ? We can only con¬ 
jecture that it is the expression of the perfect 
happiness which the creature is enjoying, when, 
uncarked by care, conscious of security, and aware 
of the presence of his mate, he instinctively pours 
forth his soul in joy and gratitude and love. He 
does not sing to amuse his mate, as many have 
supposed, for he often sings in winter, when he is 
not yet mated; nor does he sing to beguile his 
