EV. 
BaeOrNITHOLOGTCOAL LECTURE, 
I wap almost written my title, unconsciously, Beautiful 
Birds, for they have become symbols to us of all that is 
blithesome and free. No one of all the classes of animals 
is more worthy of attention, or more easily studied. In- 
cluding within their number every variety of costume and 
shape; present everywhere, and at all times; making us 
their confidants by coming to our door-steps, or awaiting 
us with newer and newer surprises if we go to the remote 
woods, the pathless ocean, or snowy mountain; marshalling 
their ranks over our heads, coming and going with the sea- 
sons, and defying our pursuit; surely, here is something for 
the poet and artist, as well as the naturalist, to think upon. 
.\/ But a bird is something more than a flitting fairy, or an 
inearnation of song. It has substance and form; it moves 
swiftly, mysteriously from place to place, and looks out 
carefully for its own protection and subsistence; it cun- 
ningly builds a home, where it raises its young and teaches 
