D H13TOUY OF 



renders the impressions of external objects more vivid and dis- 

 tiiict. 



From this conformation of the eye it follows, that the sense 

 of seeing in birds, is infijiitely superior to that of other animals. 

 Indeed this piercing sight seems necessary to the creature's sup- 

 port and safety. Were this organ blunter, from the rapidity oi 

 the bird's motion, it would be apt to strike against every object 

 in its way ; and it could scarcely find subsistence unless pos- 

 sessed of a power to discern its food from above with astonish- 

 ing sagacity. A hawk for instance, perceives a lark at a dis- 

 tance, which neither men nor dogs could spy ; a kite from an 

 almost imperceptible height in the clouds, darts down on its 

 prey with the most unerring aim. The sight of birds, therefore, 

 exceeds what we know in most other animals, and excels them 

 both in strength and precision. 



All birds want the external ear standing out from the head ; 

 they are only furnished with holes that convey sounds to the 

 auditory canal. It is true, indeed, that the horned owl, and one 

 or two more birds, seem to have external ears ; but what bears 

 that resemblance are only feathers sticking out on each side of 

 the head, but no way necessary to the sense of hearing. It is 

 probable, however, that the feathers encompassing the ear-holes 

 in birds supply the defect of the exterior ear, and collect sounds 

 to be transmitted to the internal sensory. The extreme deli- 

 cacy of this organ is easily proved by the readiness with which 

 birds learn tunes, or repeat words, and the great exactness of 

 their pronunciation. 



The sense of smelling seems not less vivid in the generality 

 of birds. Many of them wind their prey at an immense distance, 

 while others are ccjually protected by this sense against their in- 

 sidious pursuers. In decoys where ducks are caught, the men 

 who attend them universally keep a piece of turf burning near 

 their mouths, upon which they breathe, lest the fowl should 

 smell them, and consequently fly away. The universality of 

 this practice puts the necessity of it beyond a doubt, and proves 

 the extreme delicacy of the sense of smelUng, at least in this spe- 

 cies of the feathered creation. 



Next to the parts for flight, let us view the legs and feet min- 

 istering to motion. They are both made light, for the easier 

 transportation through the iiir. The toes in some are webbed 



