228 A HISTOlir OP 



banisn al! vermin. This has no better foundation than that which i 

 said of its always pointing, when hung up dead, with its breast to the 

 north. The only truth which can he affirmed of this bird when kill- 

 ed is, that its flesh is utterly unfit to be eaten ; while his beautiful 

 plumage preserves its lustre longer than that of any other bird we 

 know. 



Having thus given a short history of birds, I own I cannot take 

 leave of this most beautiful part of the creation without reluctance. 

 These splendid inhabitants of air possess all those qualities that can 

 sooth the heart, and cheer the fancy. The brightest colours, the 

 roundest forms, the most active manners, and the sweetest music. In 

 sending the imagination in pursuit of these, in following them to the 

 chirping grove, the screaming precipice, or the glassy deep, the 

 mind naturally lost the sense of its own situation, and, attentive to 

 their little sports, almost forgot the TASK of describing them. Inno- 

 cently to amuse the imagination in this dream of life is wisdom ; and 

 nothing is useless that, by furnishing mental employment, keeps us for 

 a while in oblivion of those stronger appetites that lead to evil. But 

 every rank and state of mankind may find something to imitate in those 

 delightful songsters, and we may not only employ the time, but mend 

 our fives by the contemplation. From their courage in defence of 

 heir young, and their assiduity in incubation, the coward may learn 

 to be brave, and the rash to be patient. The inviolable attachment of 

 some to their companions may give lessons of fidelity ; and the con- 

 nubial tenderness of others, be a monitor to the incontinent. Eeu 

 those that are tyrants by nature never spread capricious destruction * 

 *ad, umike man, never inflict a pain but when urged by necessity. 



