14 



VERTEBKATA. 



imitato'l. *' It must be listened to, and that by one whose senses arc properly attuned to outward 

 harnioiiv l«v an imlwrlliiiix and abidint; love of the beautiful and the pure in nature : to him the 

 s«>arin«; lark will seem indeed to pour forth at heaven's gate, a morning hymn of praise, and the 

 jiightini;ali' to ehant amid the leafy woodlands a vesper song of thankfulness: the full chorus of 

 feathered minstrelsy will be to him like an angel choir, scattering melody on all around, whirh 

 sinks into the soul like summer rain into the earth, gladdening and refreshing it." 



AVe have thus far bi'cn speaking of the native melody of birds. ]>ut many species are endowed 

 by nature not only with wonderful powers of voice, but with accuracy of car and powers of 

 memory which enable them to catch and repeat artificial songs. It might be added that many 

 of tiiem are capable of being taught to peribrm various tricks. Not only the parrot, but many 

 other species, can be so instructed as to imitate the human voice, and articulate words. There 

 is, in truth, no end to the curiosities presented by a careful study of the feathered tribes. Their 

 industry and ingenuity in building their nests, is a theme of admiring wonder alike to the natu- 

 ralist and the common observer. The forecast of some birds in regard to the coming weather, 

 often seems like prophecy, and they actually perform what the charlatan almanac-maker only 

 pretends to do. The stratagems employed by birds to escape danger, to elude pursuit, and to de- 

 fend their young, and especially the display of art in the construction of their nests with a view 

 to concealment, are in the highest degree curious and entertaining. Indeed, in whatever way we 

 may view the feathered tribes which surround us, they are a constant source of amusement and 

 instruction. Without them, the w^orld would be divested of one of its greatest and most abiding 

 charms. Not only do they enliven the landscape by their beautiful forms, and varied colors, and 

 graceful motions — not only do they fill the air and enliven the heart by their songs; but some 

 of the more graceful and gifted species often become inmates of our houses, and thus preserve 

 for us, amid the rigors of the winter, glimpses of the departed spring and summer. They thus 

 offer a ceaseless and boundless contribution to the pleasures of the world at large ; especially do 

 they furnish an inexhaustible field of delightful inquiry to the scientific student of nature. 





