THE BIRD. 



fllv) lljc %x\i\px toas leb io tlj£ Stubn of |latuvc. 



y^'t- my faithful friend, the Public, who has listened 

 "f^p^ to rae for so long a period without disfavour, I 

 "^ ■ owe a confession of the peculiar circumstances 



^_f._^ which, while not leading me altogether astray 

 from history, have induced me to devote myself 

 to the natural sciences. 



The book which 1 now publish may be described as 

 the offspring of the domestic circle and the home fireside. It is from 

 our hours of rest, our afternoon conversations, our winter readings, 

 our summer gossips, that this book, if it be a book, has been 

 gradually evolved. 



Two studious persons, naturally reunited after a day's toil, put 

 together their gleanings, and refreshed their hearts by this closing 

 evening feast. 



Am I saying that we have had no other assistance ? To make 



