CONCLUSION. 565 



Such are tlie feathered tribes ; thus widely are 

 they spread through every region^ whether to orna- 

 ment the lovehness of Nature or fulfil^ each in its 

 separate sphere of usefulness, the will of Him who 

 sends them forth on their respective missions. 

 Before the curtain falls on this grand spectacle, 

 we may remark how very simple are the means 

 employed to obtain such infinite results, such 

 strange diversity of forms, of habits, and of in- 

 stincts as adapt each race to its appointed place 

 of residence. The w^orks of God exhibit a perfec- 

 tion so divine, that as in Chemistry an atom more 

 or less of any element will change throughout, the 

 nature of the product, so by the slightest means, 

 — an altered feather, or a sharpened claw, — His 

 winged agents are equipped for every duty, and 

 become the beauties and the safeguards of the 

 world. 



Z c 



