6 PREFACE. 



text-book, but of an entertaining, yet at the same time, 

 we hope, instructive companion for the lovers of nature, 

 and especially of 



The beautiful birds, that sing in our ears 



The songs that bring visions of earlier years ; 



The blithe little songsters, that flit here and there. 



Enjoying the sunshine without fear or care ; 



The happy musicians, whose harmony flows, 



Without any effort, like scent from the rose ; 



As glad and entrancing, as fresh and as free, 



As the breeze that sets dancing the leaves on the tree. 



