STRUCTURE OF ORGANS OF VOICE.

times the inferior larynx is formed by the approximation of several rings, ossified more or less together, and at others of solid bones. Nor does it vary less in form.

It is by the muscles of the inferior larynx that those minute and varied movements of the organs of voice are produced, which modulate and vary its tones. These muscles are, therefore, better developed, and more numerous in birds of song than in such as have a harsh or monotonous cry. They are termed the muscles of voice, and vary in number from one pair to five. In a few species they are altogether wanting.

ORGANS OF SONG BIRDS.

The thrushes, larks, buntings, finches, warblers, swallows, and all birds of song, have five pairs of muscles of voice. The tube is here uniform, and very

A. B. The inferior larynx; a, b, c, d, e, five pairs of muscles which act on the larynx. C. The upper larynx; f. f, pair of muscles for opening the glottis; g, g, pair of muscles for closing the glottis.

flexible. The muscle of the tube divides on each side into two slips. Each muscle has its appropriate place and action, by which the modulations and intonations

ORGANS OF SONG BIRDS.

of the voice of the richest songsters of the grove are produced. The preceding engraving will render, it is believed, the remarks that have been made more clear. It represents the larynx; the upper extremity of the trachea, the superior opening of which is called the glottis, with the various muscles.

Simple is the mechanism which is thus apparent; but who that rightly considers the effects produced, will not perceive the operation of that God who is "wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working ?"

CHAPTER II.

VARIOUS SONG BIRDS-THE LINNET-THE BLACKBIRD-THE MISSEL THRUSH-THE SONG THRUSH-THE GOLDFINCH-THE BULLFINCH -THE LARK-THE NIGHTINGALE-THE MOCKING BIRD.

AFTER having thus made some remarks on the organs of voice in birds, and on the gift of song to some of the feathered tribes, it will be desirable briefly to notice a few of the warblers which have been most admired.

The linnet is thought by some to excel all small birds in the sweetness of its notes. Its agreeable, flutelike, and even brilliant song consists of several strains, succeeding each other very harmoniously. When these are mingled with acute and sonorous tones, slightly resembling the crowing of a cock, there are many who consider the notes of the bird as peculiarly valuable. Its song is only interrupted during the year by moulting. A young one taken from the nest, not only learns the songs of birds that it may hear in the room, such as chaffinches, larks, and nightingales, but, if kept by itself, airs and melodies that are whistled to it. "It

THE BLACKBIRD..

is very pleasant and surprising," says Bechstein, "to hear a young linnet that is well taught by a nightingale. I have one whose imitations are as perfect as possible. It amuses me throughout the year, but especially when my nightingales are silent."

The largest song bird of our own land is the blackbird: it sings early; and though there is not so much variety in its notes as in those of the thrush, they are soft and clear. The song of this bird makes a pleasant variety among the number of more sharp and trilling voices. As there are two, and frequently three broods of blackbirds in the year, the song continues through great part of the season. It is not, however, heard so constantly, for so long a time, or from so high a perch, as the song of the thrush.

Of the bird last mentioned there are different kinds. The missel thrush is very clever and persevering in finding snails and slugs in their winter retreats, and is, therefore, among the first of the feathered tribes to feel the turn of the year. Its notes are not so varied and mellifluous as those of the song thrush, but they are still both powerful and musical. As this bird is the first that is heard in the woodland, after the howling of the wind among the leafless branches, it has often been hailed, as in the following verses, with peculiar fondness.