10 A Description of Birds 
In the feathered race the variety is still more conspicuous, 
and, taking Temminck as a guide in estimating the number of 
European birds, it will suffice to support our conclusion, 
simply to state that within the British colony at the Cape of 
Good Hope, there are to be found at least one hundred more 
species of birds than in the whole of the quarter of the globe he 
alludesto. The plumage of those in ourdomain cannot certainly 
be eld out as in general particularly splendid, yet at the 
same time there are not wanting instances of great beauty ; 
but if the diversity and adaptation of characters and instincts 
in the various individuals be only considered, there will be 
found sufficient to entice and engage attention without the 
really less important and interesting commendation, that of 
fine feathers. In the class of reptiles, here are the means of 
making numerous additions to science; not only as regards 
the description of non-descript species, but also as to classi- 
fication. The diversity of forms under which they occur, 
and the peculiar characters and habitats which each variety 
appears to maintain, furnish good hints for divisions ; and, 
if such alone be regarded, they will enable the naturalist to 
decide upon proper positions, without direct reference to for- 
mation, though that will be found upon inquiry, to support 
the conclusions deduced from such like observations. Hence 
exist two methods of arranging the objects of animated nature, 
and whether the one or the other, or both, be followed, the 
conclusions of the accurate observer will, I am convinced, 
be the same. 
Of insects there are a very great variety, and the 
principal portion of them is marked by much beauty of color- 
ing, as well as by numerous interesting characters. From 
the huge elephant to the smallest flower, all here furnish the 
entomologist with specimens, and there is scarcely an object 
upon which he can cast his eye, or to which he can direct his 
research, that will not supply him with the means of increas- 
ing his collection. Besides this extreme multiformity in the 
land productions, the ocean is not less prolific, and to survey 
the variety of fishesand other marine productions which present 
themselves in our seas and about our shores, is almost enough 
to petrify exertion, and generate a belief of the impossibility of 
ever unravelling all the mysteries of creation. Let us, however, 
take spirit and console ourselves in knowing that if we do but 
little, that little will assist in rendering the labour of our 
successors less difficult, and will concur towards illustrating 
the beauty and wisdom, connection and dependence, which a 
thorough knowledge of the animal kingdom will doubtless 
one day display. ‘The results, upon such being attained, will 
prove the utility of the study, and will doubtless dispense 
knowledge and benefits to society of which we cannot at pre- 
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