332 WANDERINGS IN SOUTH AMERICA 



description of them than has hitherto been the 

 case; should they cause any unknown species to 

 be brought into public view, and thus add a little 

 more to the page of natural history, it will please 

 me much. But should they, unfortunately, tend 

 to cause a wanton expense of life; should they 

 tempt you to shoot the pretty songster warbling 

 near your door, or destroy the mother, as she is 

 sitting on the nest to warm her little ones; or 

 kill the father, as he is bringing a mouthful of 

 food for their support; — oh, then! — deep indeed 

 will be the regret that I ever wrote them. 

 Adieu, 



Charles Waterton. 



