V [I E F A E . 



Among tlic favourites of our early life are some of the feathered tribes. Even 

 the iufaiit is attracted to the cage of the canary, the goldfinch, and the parrot. 

 Coleridge cites a fact of this kind as he asks the nightingale to repeat her 

 strain : 



-" My dear babe, 



Who, capable of no articulate sound. 

 Mars all things with his imitative lisp. 

 How lie would j)lace his hand beside his ear. 

 His little hand, the small furc-finj;(er up, 

 And bid us listen." 



We cannot fail to admire his purpose to blend true knowledge Avith the interest 

 thus evinced, rendering the one a firm foundation for the other, as he adds : 



" I deem it wise 



To make him Xature's playnuite ;" 



and, doubtless, a rich reward awaits that parent who occasionally takes 

 his child from spot to spot, to look at the birds which find there a dwelling- 

 place ; and to talk over the details of their structure, the form and contents of 

 the nest, and the diversified and marvellous appliances of instinctive power. 



With such an object, instead of regarding only a few birds, he will direct 

 attention to the many, sympathising with Cowper, as he stiid : 



" Ten thousand warblers cheer the day, and one 

 The live-long night : nor those alone, whose notes 

 Niee-fingered art must emulate in vain ; 

 But cawing rooks and kites that swim sublime 

 In still reijeated circles, screaming loud ; 

 The jay, the pie, and e'en the boding owl. 

 That hails the rising morn, have chai'ms for me." 



Nor will those who have a true taste for this interesting branch of Natural 

 History limit their knowledge to the birds of their own land. Eesidents in 

 England will become acquainted with the feathered tribes of Africa, Asia, 

 America, and Australia ; and tlie dwellers in other countries will be equtdly 

 intent on gaining a knowledge of British birds. The wood, the mountain, the 



