THE PHEASANT. 79 



hibits the care which the great Benefactor exercises over 

 the humblest of his creatures. Were the parent to run 

 along the ground from her nest, a scent would be pro- 

 duced, and a track made, by which some cunning foe 

 might despoil her ; but by this precaution, there is no 

 clue to such a robbery. On it depends the safety of the 

 nest and its little brood ; and, doubtless, the same pre- 

 caution is taught by instinct to most birds which have 

 their nests on the ground. 



