THE COMMERCIAL VALUE OF BIRDS. 43 



how they help to preserve him in health and cleanliness. 

 Do not our little feathered favourites assume an in- 

 creased interest when we look upon them not as birds 

 alone, but as objects with a grand purpose in the world's 

 economy. In many ways do they increase the com- 

 merce of the world, its prosperity and its happiness ; 

 they are the source of numerous important industries ; 

 and of all living things they are perhaps the most 

 harmless, the most wonderful, and the most beautiful. 



