252 



Again. In the i^hole kingdom of bircTs, none hare 

 'more than two wings, and yet they all fly in a different 

 manner. Some launch away by repeated springs*; 

 others glide through the air with an even motion ; 

 ihe<-e always slum over the earth ; those soar up to the 

 clouds. Some know how to diversify their Ilight by a 

 straight oblique, or circular motion : to suspend their 

 bodies and continue motionless in an element lighter 

 than themselves : after this, to start into a horizontal 

 motion, and then dart either to the right or left, wheel 

 into a contrary tract, remount, and then precipi-tafe 

 themselves like a descending stone : in a word, they 

 transport themselves without opposition or hazard 

 wherever their necessities or pleasures call them, 



The structure of their nests, the care with which 

 they attend (heir eggs, the mechanism of the eggitseJf. 

 and i he birth and education of their young, are equal. 

 Jy astonishing. Seethe perfect similitude that appears 

 in all the nests of birds of the same species, the con. 

 stant difference between the nests of one species and 

 another; together with the neatness and precaution 

 which all of them observe. One species builds its nest 

 on the (op of trees, another on the ground, under a 

 canopy of grass, but always with a shelter, either of 

 herbs or a branch, or a double roof of leaves, down 

 which the raiu slides, without entering the opening 

 which lies conceal. "1 bt law. 'JChe outward parts of the 

 nest is made', or' solid materials, thorns, reeds, day, or 

 compact inos? ; the. inner of softer materials closely in- 

 ter woven, so as to keep out both wind? and insects. 

 But each species has a peculiar taste. When the build. 

 ing is completed some hang the inside with a tapestry 

 of feathers, or quilt it- with wool or silk. 



How admirably does this display the wisdom of Him 

 who furnished man with reason, which extends to 

 every thing aroirhd him, and inspired animals with an 

 imitation oi it ; limited indeed to a few points ; but ad- 



