46 INTRODUCTION. 



that I have paid some attention to the ornithology 

 of this district, without being able to exhaust the 

 subject : new occurrences still arise as long as any in- 

 quiries are kept alive." * In fact, as we observed in a 

 former part of this introduction (9), the subject is 

 inexhaustible ; and it is a satisfying thought to know 

 that we may continue all our life long in a retired 

 village, like the above amiable observer, to whom 

 we have so often alluded, without our entertain- 

 ment coming to an end ; to be assured that Nature 

 will spread a fresh repast for us each year, and 

 that so long as we keep up a relish for her works, 

 she will take care that our interest therein shall 

 not flag for want of variety. It is no little solace 

 to have an occupation which will hold by us, as 

 White tells us it did by him,*j- even to declining years ; 

 which may tend to quiet and compose our minds 

 under the infirmities of age ; and even serve a still 

 higher purpose, when accompanied by those religi- 

 ous feelings which it ought continually to strengthen, 

 and when aided by the help which Revelation so 

 bountifully affords ; thus preparing us for our last 

 great change, and raising our thoughts from this 

 lower world to Him who made it, " In whose pre- 

 sence is fulness of joy, and at whose right hand are 

 pleasures for evermore." 



* See Lett, xlix, to Daines Barrington. 



t See the concluding portion of the Preface to the Natural 

 History of Selborne. 



