GRENADIER GROSBEAK AND GOLDFINCH. 319 the fly-catcher is one of the earliest of the migratory birds which leave us. I have missed them a fortnight after they have quitted their nest. It is surprizing that such young and tender birds should have strength sufficient to perform their migration. While on the subject of nidification, I will mention the following anecdote, not only as illustrative of the habits of a bird of which we have little knowledge, but as a proof of the affection animals are capable of showing for each other, as well as for their offspring. The anecdote was related to me by Mr. Gould, the ingenious author of two of our most splendid and interesting works on Natural History, and which he had an opportunity of witnessing himself at the house of M. Artaria at Manheim. An African bird, the grenadier grosbeak of Latham, was put into the same cage with a hen goldfinch, in order to try whether they would breed together. This took place, and after they had paired, a quantity of grass and other materials were put into the cage to enable the birds to make their nest. As soon as the hen began to sit, the tropical bird took a quantity of the grass and covered the hen over with it. This he did every day punctually at eleven o'clock, (at which time the sun came upon the cage) and apparently for the purpose of screening her from its heat. It is not improbable therefore, that in very hot countries, birds show this mark of attention to their mates. It may however be done for the purpose of conceding them from the sight of birds of prey, or other animals, which might either molest or destroy them. The male of this species of grosbeak is of a brilliant scarlet colour during the breeding season, (and hence his name of grenaadier by some, and cardinal by others) but it changes to brown afterwards. Its size is that of a Linnet. I have now brought my Gleanings' to an end, and quit them with regret. When I think of the many happy hours I have passed in contemplating the works of a beneficent Creator, I can look back upon them as neither mis-spent nor unprofitable. The gratification I have derived in viewing what is beautiful in nature-my pleasant walks by some clear and lively stream, and my strolls through woodland scenery, cannot better be expressed than by quoting the following poetical language by the author of Salmonia, with which I will conclude this volume. 'How delightful is it in the early spring, after the dull and tedious time of winter, when the 'frosts disappear, and the sunshine warms the 'earth and waters, to wander forth by some 'clear stream, to see the leaf bursting from the 6 purple bud, to scent the odours of the bank perfumed by the violet, and enamelled as it were, with the primrose and the daisy; to wander 6 upon the fresh turf below the shade of trees, 'whose bright blossoms are led with the music ' of the bee; and on the surface of the waters to view the gaudy flies sparkling like animated gems ' in the sunbeams, whilst the bright and beautiful 'trout is watching them from below; to hear the 'twittering of the water-birds, who, alarmed at your approach, rapidly hide themselves beneath 'the flowers and leaves of the water-lily; and as 'the season advances, to find all these objects changed for others of the same kind, but better ' and brighter, till the swallow and the trout con' tend as it were for the gaudy may-fly, and till in pursuing your amusement in the calm and balmy evening, you are serenaded by the songs of the 'cheerful thrush and melodious nightingale, performing the offices of paternal love, in thickets 6 ornamented with the rose and woodbine.' |