237 



PRACTICAL ORNITHOLOGY. 



FIRST LESSON. 



FLIGHT OF BIRDS. DISTINCTION OF SPECIES INTO PERMANENT, MIGRA- 

 TORY, AND ACCIDENTAL VISITANTS. CHARACTER OF AN ORNITHO- 

 LOGIST. CRITICAL REMARKS ON FANCIFUL AFFINITIES. COMMON 

 BIRDS. 



However interesting it may be to examine the structure of 

 birds, compare the diversified forms w^hich they present, and 

 collect from the writings of authors whatever has reference to 

 the species with which we are desirous of being intimately ac- 

 quainted, our task cannot be satisfactorily completed until we 

 go forth and study their characters for ourselves, as they are 

 exhibited by the living objects pursuing their ordinary avoca- 

 tions. Wherefore, good Pupil, having prepared you for ob- 

 serving the animals to which we purpose to devote our attention 

 for a time, by entering upon considerations relative to their 

 organization, classification, and nomenclature, and by giving 

 in detail the history of an entire group, I believe we cannot 

 do better than equip ourselves for a walk, which I hope will 

 be a pleasant one, the day being fine, and this, the end of Oc- 

 tober, the very season of all best adapted for an ornithological 

 ramble. 



With all my heart. I suppose I need no preparation, as I 

 am no shot, and will be content with witnessing your exploits. 

 vSo let us start. 



This Newington is a pleasant place. You are here ready 

 to step into the fields whenever you please. The city is behind, 

 and the hills lie before us. You perceive Libberton Kirk on 

 the height, the Braid Hills to the right, Craigmillar to the 

 left, extensive fields now bared by the sickle, and some patches 

 of wood, in which we may find objects to interest us. In the 



