202 



Yet, at the same time, the hen that has all this seeming 

 ingenuity, in other respects., is without the least glim- 

 merings of common sense; she mistakes a piece of 

 chalk for an egg, and sets upon it in the same manner : 

 she is insensible of any increase or diminution in the 

 number of those she lays : she does not distinguish be. 

 tween her own and those of another species ; and when 

 the birth appears of never so different a bird, will 

 cherish it for her own. 



As the principle which acts in these animals cannot 

 be termed reason, so when we call it instinct, we mean 

 something we have no knowledge of. It appears to 

 me the immediate direction of Providence ; and such 

 an operation of the Supreme Being as that which de- 

 termines all the portions of matter to their proper 

 centres. 



While the young arc yet unfledged, the old one 

 takes care to provide them with a regular supply ; 

 when the family is fully plumed, and capable of avoid- 

 ing danger by Sight, they are then led forth when the 

 weather is fine, and taught the paternal art of provid- 

 ing for their subsistence. They are led to the places 

 ivhere their food lies ; they are shewn the method of 

 discovering or carrying it away ; and then led back to 

 the nest for a day or two longer. At length, when 

 they are qualified to shift for themselves, the old one 

 takes them abroad, and leading them to the accustom- 

 ed places, forsakes them for the last time, and all con- 

 nection is at an end. 



Birds in general, though they have so much to fear 

 from man and each other, are seldom scared from their 

 usual haunts. The greatest number remain contented 

 where they have been bred. The rook, if undisturbed^ 

 never desires to leave his native grove ; the black-bird 

 still frequents its accustomed hedge ; and the red* 

 breast, though seemingly mild, claims a certain dis- 

 trict, from whence he seldom moves, but drives out 

 every one of the same species from thence without 

 pity. They are excited to migrations by no other 

 motives but those of fear ; climate 5 or hunger. It is 



