^ INSTINCTS OF BIRDS. 267 



We will now proceed to notice briefly, some 

 of the numerous advantages to be derived from 

 a successful cultivation of this delightful study ; 

 and a correction of the above mentioned errors and 

 abuses, with the needless waste of Hfe which it 

 would prevent, is not among the least of them. 

 For the preservation of our persons and property 

 from those creatures, by which they are liable to 

 be injured ; for the best methods of promoting the 

 increase, improving the condition, and effecting 

 the subjection of such as contribute to our benefit 

 or amusement ; and for the skilful management 

 of our valuable reclaimed and domestic animals, 

 which supply us with so many comforts and 

 luxuries, we must depend, in a great measure, 

 upon our knowledge of their habits, manners, 

 and propensities. To this knowledge also, the 

 practical physiologist is indebted for a means of 

 enlarging his acquaintance with the phenomena 

 of life ; the scientific naturalist, and particularly 

 the ornithologist, for an excellent mode of dis- 

 tinguishing species, under circumstances in 

 which the ordinary rules for determining them 

 are of little or no avail; and the physico- 

 theologist, for a more comprehensive view of 

 the power, wisdom, and goodness of the Creator, 

 as manifested in his living works. 



Having thus succinctly adverted to the gieat 

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