'OISEAU," or "The Bird," was first published in 1856. It 

 has since been followed by "L'Insecte" and "La Mer;" the 

 three works forming a trilogy which few writers have sur- 

 passed in grace of style, beauty of description, and sug- 

 gestiveness of sentiment. " L'Oiseau" may be briefly described as an 

 eloquent defence of the Bird in its relation to man, and a poetical 

 exposition of the attractiveness of Natural History. It is animated 

 by a fine and tender spirit, and written with an inimitable charm of 

 language. 



In submitting the following translation to the English public, I 

 am conscious of an urgent need that I should apologize for its short- 

 comings. It is no easy matter to do justice to Michelet in English ; 

 yet, if I have failed to convey a just idea of his beauties of expression, 

 jf I have suffered most of the undefinable aroma of his style to 

 escape, I believe I have rendered his meaning faithfully, without 

 exaggeration or diminution. I have endeavoured to preserve, as far 

 as possible, his more characteristic peculiarities, and even mannerisms, 

 carrying the literalness of my version to an extent which some critics, 

 perhaps, will be disposed to censure. But in copying the masterpiece 



