THE IBEX.

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The ibex is somewhat larger than the goat; is similarly formed, but its horns are much larger, being from two to four feet long. It is clothed with a thick coat of brown hair.

The ibex assemble in flocks, which never consist of more than fifteen, and seldom of so many. It is equally agile and strong, and, when close pressed, will sometimes turn upon the incautious huntsman, and tumble him down the precipices, unless he has time to lie down, and let the creature bound over him. And if the pursuit be continued, this animal will throw himself down the steepest decliv ities, and fall on his horns in such a manner, as to remain unhurt. It is principally found on the Alps, Pyreenes, and the highest mountains of Greece.

THE TIGER.

The tiger, though very beautiful in form and colour, is one of the most odious of all creatures Though he is generally ranked next to the lion, he is destitute of those qualities, for which that animal is admired. He is fierce, without provocation, and cruel, without necessity. Though glutted with slaughter, he is never satisfied; but still cov

tinues the carnage, and seems to have his courage inflamed by not meeting with resistance.

The tiger is the only species of quadrupeds, whose spirit absolutely refuses to be tamed. Neither force nor restraint, neither cruelty nor kindness, makes the slightest impression on his stubborn heart. He snaps at the hand which supplies him with food with the same ferocity as that by which he is chastised.

The tiger is a tremendous animal. His strength is amazing. When he has killed any large animal, such as a buffalo, or horse, he carries it to a remote part of the forest, for the purpose of devouring it with the greater ease; and bounds along with a rapid motion, unchecked by the enormous load he sustains.

THE NIGHTINGALE.

The Nightingale is not only famous amongst the moderns, but was celebrated by the ancients for the sweetness of its strains; and Pliny tells us, that for fifteen days and nights it continues its notes, concealed in the thickest shades. The tone produced by this enchanting little warbler, are modulated into the softest and most delightful strains; at once

so plaintive and melodious, that it is impossible to listen to them and remain unmoved.

This most famous of the feathered tribe visits England in the beginning of April, and in August takes its flight; but it is only to be found in the * southern parts of the country; and in Scotland, Ireland, and North Wales, it is never to be seen. Their favorite haunts are low coppices and thick hedges; and for weeks together, if undisturbed, they will remain on the same tree.

In the beginning of May, the nightingale prepares its nest, which is composed of moss, straw, and leaves; and, as it is concealed at the bottom of the thickest bushes, it generally escapes the plundering hands of boys. Whilst the female continues sitting, her mate sooths her with his voice from some contiguous bush, whilst she listens to his enlivening sound; and if he apprehends any danger approaching, he warns her by short interruptions in his notes. She generally lays four or five eggs, but in this country the whole number are seldom nurtured into life. The nightingale's song, when confined in a cage, is by no means so pleasing as in its natural state.

EXPLANATIONS.

Plaintive-expressive of sorrow.
Melodious-musical, harmonious.
Coppice-low woods, bushy.
Contiguous-near by.

We must accustom ourselves early not only to feel for the misfortunes of others, but to do every thing that lies in our power to assist them.

On the approach of Spring, we are accustomed to see flocks of these birds, high in the air, arranged, in a straight line, or in two lincs, approximating o a point. In both cases they are led by an old gander, who every now and then pipes forth his well known houk, as if to ask how they all come on; and the houk of 'all's well' is generally returned by some of the party. They continue their flight day and night, generally in a straight line. I suppose that it is to one of these birds that Mr. Bryant's beautiful lines, to a water fowl, are addressed.

Whither, 'midst falling dew;

While glow the heavens with the last steps of day, Far, through their rosy depths, dost thou pursue Thy solitary way?

Vainly the fowler's eye

Might mark thy distant flight to do thee wrong,
As, darkly painted on the crimson sky,
Thy figure floats along.

Seek'st thou the plashy brink
Of weedy lake, or marge of river wide,

Or where the rocking billows rise and sink
On the chafed ocean side?

There is a Power whose care

Teaches thy way along that pathless coast,
The desert and illimitable air,—

Lone wandering, but not lost.

All day thy wings have fann'd
At that far height, the cold thin atmosphere;
Yet stoop not, weary, to the welcome land,
Though the dark night is near.

And soon that toil shall end,

Soon shalt thou find a summer home, and rest, And scream among thy fellows; reeds shall bend Soon o'er thy shelter'd nest.

Thou'rt gone, the abyss of heaven

Hath swallow'd up thy form; yet, on my

heart

Deeply hath sunk the lesson thou hast given,
And shall not soon depart.

He, who, from zone to zone, Guides through the boundless sky thy certain flight, In the long way that I must tread alone, Will lead my steps aright.

EXPLANATIONS,

Approximate to draw near to.

Illimitable-that which cannot be limited.

Zones are imaginary circles which divide the earth into six parts.

The goose is directed from zone to zone by the