NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Care and drtchcc of the young. 



of the rapacious kind, at this season, become 

 more than usually fierce and active; they carry 

 their prey, yet throbbing with life to the nest, 

 and early accustom their young to habits of ra- 

 pine and cruelty. Even the hen, when she be- 

 comes the parent of a family, no longer conti- 

 nues the same creature; naturally timorous, and 

 before this period, knowing nothing but flight, 

 she becomes a heroine at the head of a troop of 

 chickens; she despises danger, courageously at- 

 tacks the stoutest dog in defence of her brood, 

 and would probably venture to encounter even a 

 lion. 



But though animals in their generation may 

 be wiser than the sons of men, yet their wisdom 

 is confined in a narrow compass, and limited to 

 a few particulars. The design or conduct is not 

 hi the animal, but in that beneficent and .adorable^ 

 Being who directs all its operations by what may 

 properly be stiled a mysterious influence. 



" With what caution," says an elegant writer, 

 <e does the female provide herself a nest in places 

 unfrequented and free from noise and disturb- 

 ance ! When she has laid her eggs in such a man- 

 ner, that she can cover them, what care does she 

 not take in turning them frequently, that all 

 parts may partake of the vital warmth ! When 

 she leaves them, to provide for her necessary 

 sustenance, how punctually does she return be- 

 fore they have time to cool, and become incapa- 

 \le of producing ail animal! In. thcfsummer you 



