amorous chaces the loudeſt notes are made uſe of by the male, the female expreſſing her conſent by a ſhort interrupted twittering. Once paired, the conjugal connection is kept inviolate, and mutually obſerved with the ſtricteſt fidelity for the whole ſeaſon.
The connubial rites being performed with all imaginable expedition, they begin to conſtruct the manſion for their future progeny. For this purpoſe the moſt private and commodious ſituation is ſought for, where they may lay their eggs, and bring up their young in ſecurity. Often the male and female on this occaſion paſs ſeveral days before they can find a place proper for their purpoſe. In general they build their neſts at the bottom of hedges, and in ſmall buſhes, not far from the ground; and of all the feathered tribe, none ſecretes it ſo artfully as the nightingale, which is the reaſon why their little manſions are ſo ſeldom diſcovered.
Apparently ſenſible are they that they have many enemies lying in ambuſh to deſtroy their riſing progeny, and fruſtrate their laudable intentions. The hawk, the kite, &c. muſt be guarded againſt, the malignant ravages of lurking reptiles muſt be taken care of, and man particularly, their chief invader. This prompts them to exert all their little arts to be ſecure of danger, and to arm their little houſhold from view amidſt the ſhelter of entangled thorn, and the thick covert of brambles, nettles, &c. Thus ſituated, thus ſecreted, it generally eſcapes the ſearch of its innumerable enemies, and almoſt always eludes the obſervation of the ſchool-boy. The female lays five eggs, which are about the ſize of thoſe of the common ſparrow, and of a darkiſh brown or nutmeg colour.—The nightingale is not delicate in the choice of his materials; a few dried oak leaves form the external part of the neſt, and the inſide is compoſed of fibres of roots, ſoft bents, &c. curiouſly interwoven. In conſtructing it they are remarkably induſtrious, and the neſt is uſually compleated in two or three days. The male provides the materials, but the female is the architect.`Theſe elegant ſongſters breed in the month of May, and when they come early, ſometimes produce twice in a ſeaſon.
Market-Lavington.J. L—g.
(To be concluded in our next.)
