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XVI. 

 INSTINCTS AND HABITS OF BIRDS. 



You seemed pleased with my lecture on the 

 Cuckoo, and therefore I propose, in my present 

 one, to talk to you a little of some other birds 

 whose instincts and habits are curious, or are 

 remarkable for their song and the beautiful 

 structure of their nests. I may also tell you 

 that the birds of the air distinguish the proper 

 times and seasons, and choose the fittest places 

 in which to build their nests ; and they are 

 made with such skill and exactness that no 

 human art could form one like them. Then, 

 as to their song. Recollect that the music of 

 birds was the first song of gratitude and thanks- 

 giving which was offered on earth before man 

 was created. This song is various, but always 

 harmonious, and composes a choir which we 



