THE LARK. 



of their groves, the canary bird is of ft dusky grey 

 rolour, and so different from those stfen in Europe, 

 that sonic have doubted whether it be of the same 

 species. So conspicuous are the effects of domesti- 

 cation and change of climate, in this bird, as well as 

 in many other animals, both quadrupeds and volatiles. 

 The canary bird in its tame as well as in its natural 

 state, is highly valued for the harmony of its song and 

 the great variety of its long and piercing notes. 

 Being unwilling to weary you with the length of my 

 letter, although the subject be extremely agreeable, 

 I will leave you for a few moments to muse amidst 

 the feathered songsters, and conclude by subscribing 

 myself, most affectionately. 



Bear Sir, 



Yours, &c. 



LETTER XLVKL 



Up iprlng* ihe 



" Shrill voie'd and loud, the messenger of morn i" 



DEAR SIR, 



JL BEG leave at present, to recommend to your notice 

 a bird which contributes in an eminent degree to en- 

 liven the rural scenery of our island, for instead of 

 retiring to the recesses of the forest, or the solitary 

 retreats of sequestered groves, it hovers over the 

 meadows and the fields; and accompanies the plough* 

 man and the reaper; and, by its melodious strains, 

 gladdens the heart of th-e peasant, and sweetens hia 

 toil. 



THE LARK 



is in this, and most countries of Europe, universally 

 known, and, being considered as the harbinger of 

 spring, and the herald of the morn, it may be said to 

 lead the general chorus among " the tuneful nations." 

 With the singing of the lark so many delectable ideas 

 are indeed associated, ihatofall the winged songsters. 



