  We search for approximate, but analytic solutions of the pairing problem for
one pair of nucleons in many levels of a potential well. For the collective
energy a general formula, independent of the details of the single particle
spectrum, is given in both the strong and weak coupling regimes. Next the
displacements of the solutions trapped in between the single particle levels
with respect to the unperturbed energies are explored: their dependence upon a
suitably defined quantum number is found to undergo a transition between two
different regimes.
