Note 38 — NATURAL HISTORY OF CAGE BIRDS. (continued 4)

A good deal of imagination may be supposed to be put forth in the translation of the song of these birds. An Englishman, a Frenchman, or an Italian would discover in it words in their own language which might express very different sounds. We shall not see with less pleasure here details that are entirely omitted in other works on birds. Some will admire, however far it may go, an ear exercised in discovering the shades, niceties, and, in fact, the beauties that delight it, whilst another would be scarcely struck with any difference. Strangers will no longer be surprised at the excessive passion these birds excite where they are studied with so much care. In England they are very little prized, and but seldom kept.—Translator.