21 HISTORY OF 



more room for the operations of life, is earned on to a greater 

 extent. 



All birds in general are less than quadrupeds ; that is, the 

 greatest of one class far surpass the greatest of the other in mag- 

 nitude. The ostrich, which is the greatest of birds, bears no 

 proportion to the elephant ; and the smallest humming bird, 

 which is the least of the class, is still far more minute than the 

 mouse. In these the extremities of natiu-e are plainly discernible ; 

 and in forming them she appears to have been doubtful in hei 

 operations : the ostrich seemingly covered with hair, and incap- 

 able of flight, making near approaches to the quadruped class j 

 while the humming-bird, of the size of an humble bee , and with 

 a fluttering motion, seems nearly allied to the insect. 



These extremities of this class are rather objects of human 

 curiosity than utility : it is the middle order of birds which man 

 has taken care to propagate and maintain. Of those which he 

 has taken under his protection, and which administer to his plea- 

 sures or necessities, the greatest number seem creatures of his 

 formation. The variety of climate to which he consigns 

 them, the food with which he supplies them, and the purposes 

 for which he employs them, produce amazing varieties both in 

 their colours, shape, magnitude, and the taste of their flesh. 

 Wild birds are, for the most part, of the same magnitude and 

 shape ; they still keep the prints of primaeval nature strong upon 

 them, except in a few ; they generally maintain their very 

 colour : but it is otherwise with domestic animals ; they change 

 at the will of man — of the tame pigeon, for instance, it is said 

 they can be bred to a feather. 



As we are thus capable of influencing their form and colour, 

 so also is it frequent to see equal instances of our influencing 

 their habitudes, appetites, and passions. The cock, for instance, 

 is artificially formed into that courage and activity which he is 

 seen to possess -. and many birds testify a strong attachment to 

 the hand that feeds them. How far they are capable of instruc- 

 tion, is manifest to those that have the care of hawks. But a 

 still more surprising instance of this was seen some time ago in 

 London : a canary bird was taught to pick up the letters of the 

 alphabet, at the word of command, so as to spell any person's 

 name in company ; and this the little animal did by motions from 

 its master, which were imperceptible to every other spectator 



