128 LECTURE X. 



their flight long after their parents have de- 

 parted, Indeed,, the young cuckoo has never 

 known a parent's care, since it is brought up 

 in the nest of some other bird ; yet it leaves 

 this country long after others of the same 

 species, being then a solitary individual, and 

 finds its way to the groves of Greece and the 

 sunny regions of Italy. Now, it is quite clear 

 that this extraordinary migratory instinct must 

 have been implanted in this and various other 

 birds by a merciful Creator,, for purposes in- 

 tended for their well-being in climates con- 

 genial to their respective wants. And then, 

 with what pleasure may we listen to the songs 

 of numerous warblers which arrive amongst 

 us in this blessed country, the nightingale being 

 amongst them, cheering us with their music, 

 and proclaiming the loving-kindness of our 

 Heavenly Father ! 



But this migratory instinct is not confined to 

 birds. The extensive plains of North America 

 were formerly more frequented by vast herds 

 of buffaloes than they are at present, in con- 

 sequence of the destructive attacks made upon 

 them, not only by the Red Indians but by the 

 American settlers. At certain periods a strong 



