STltUCTURE OF BIRDS. 



355 



I have now, my dear Sir, exhibited to your view 

 the most remarkable varieties of this curious species, 

 which seem to link the quadruped with the volatile 

 part of the creation. It would be useless, perhaps 

 even impossible, to display all the distinguishing cha- 

 racteristics of the various tribes, which exist in every 

 country, and are all discriminated from one another 

 by some peculiarity of form or disposition. We have 

 already seen that of several kinds of animals,, espe- 

 cially those that are \videlv diffused, the varieties 

 produced by difference of soik,and climate, in con- 

 junction with other circumstances, are innumerable, 

 and baffle every effort of research. By this time, 

 however, I am fully persuaded you have learned to 

 observe that amidst the infinitely diversified produc- 

 tions of creative power, various degrees of utility arc 

 not less conspicuous than variety of form and differ- 

 ence of faculties: composing one general and uniform 

 plan, in every part of which wisdom, order, and fit- 

 ness are eminently displayed. 



With every wish for your health, prosperity and 

 intellectual improvement, 



I am, dear Sir, 



Your's, &c. 



LETTER XLL 



Ye birds, 



That singing up to heaven-gatt'S ascend, 



liear on your win^s, and in your notes His praise '' 



MI l.TOV, 



DEAR SIR, 



HAVING led you through the interesting range cf 

 the first grand division of animated nature, the se- 

 cond now presents itself to your view, and claims in 

 an eminent degree your attention. 



The volatile race constitutes this division, as that of 

 quadrupeds composes the first; and the power, the 

 wisdom, and the goodness of the Creator, ure display- 



