26 HISTORY OF 



which are called birds of passage, every year for- 

 sake us for some time, and make their regular 

 and expected return. 



Nothing has more employed the curiosity of 

 mankind than these annual emigrations, and yet 

 few subjects continue so much involved in dark- 

 ness. It is generally believed, that the cause of 

 their retreat from these parts of Europe is either 

 a scarcity of food at certain seasons, or the want 

 of a secure asylum from the persecution of man 

 during the time of courtship and bringing up 

 their young. Thus the starling, in Sweden, at 

 the approach of winter, finding subsistence no 

 longer in that kingdom, descends every year into 

 Germany ; and the hen chaffinches of the same 

 country are seen every year to fly through Hol- 

 land in large flocks, to pass their winter in a 

 milder climate. Others, with a more daring spi- 

 rit, prepare for journeys that might intimidate 

 even human perseverance. Thus the quails in 

 spring forsake the burning heats of Africa for 

 the milder sun of Europe ; and, when they have 

 passed the summer with us, steer their flight back 

 to "enjoy in Egypt the temperate air, which then 

 begins to be delightful. This with them seems a 

 preconcerted undertaking. They unite together 

 in some open place for some days before their 

 departure, and, by an odd kind of chattering, 

 seem to debate on the method to proceed. When 

 their plan is resolved upon, they all take flight 

 together, and often appear in such numbers, 

 that, to mariners at sea, they seem like a cloud 

 that rests upon the horizon. The boldest, strong- 



