CHAPTER III, 



BIRDS, 



WE now advance to one of the most beautiful and numerous 

 parts of animated nature. A few introductory observations may be 

 permitted, before we proceed to describe the several individuals that 

 are presented to our notice, in reviewing the ornithology of the 

 Bible. 



The first thing which claims our attention, is the structure of the 

 feathered tribes. In a comparative view with man, their formation 

 seems much ruder and more imperfect ; and they are in general 

 found incapable of the docility even of quadrupeds. To these, how- 

 ever, they hold the next rank ; and far surpass fishes and insects, 

 both in the structure of their bodies, and in their sagacity. 



In reference to the structure of birds of the most perfect order, a 

 few things demand our attention. 



The whole body is shaped in the most convenient manner for 

 making its way through the air ; being, as Mr. Ray observes, con- 

 structed very near Sir Isaac Newton's form of least resistance. 

 According to Barr, in his continuation of Buffbn, 'it is neither ex- 

 tremely massive, nor equally substantial in all its parts ; but being 

 designed to rjse in the air, is'capable of expanding a large surface 

 without solidity. The body is sharp before, to pierce and make its 

 way through that element : it gradually increases in bulk, till it has 

 acquired its just dimensions, and falls off in an expansive tail.' 

 The motion of birds being two-fold, walking and flying, they are 

 provided with legs, at once wonderfully contrived to walk with, and 

 raise them like a spring for their flight ; wings to buoy them up, 

 and waft them along ; and a tail to keep them steady in the air, as- 

 sist them in their evolutions, and direct them in their course. 



Although the feathery covering of birds is admirably constructed 

 for lightness and buoyancy, their wings are furnished with a strength 

 that is amazing ; and by these they are enabled to impel themselves 

 forward with an inconceivable rapidity. To fit them the better for 

 their flight, the feathers are disposed in the most perfect order, ly- 

 ing one way ; and, that they may glide more smoothly along, they 

 are furnished with a gland situated on the rump, from which they 

 occasionally press out oil with the bill, and anoint the feathers. 



Their beak or bill is a curious piece of art, formed of a hard 

 horny substance, constructed in the most commodious manner for 



