XIV. INTRODUCTION. 



same journey may be performed in a much shorter space of 

 time. To these observations we may add, that the sight of 

 birds is peculiarly quick and piercing; and from the advan- 

 tage they possess in being raised to considerable heights in 

 the air, they are enabled, with a sagacity peculiar to in- 

 stinctive knowledge, to discover the route they are to take, 

 from the appearance of the atmosphere, the clouds, the 

 direction of the winds, and other causes; so that, without 

 having recourse to improbable modes, it is easy to conceive, 

 from the velocity of their speed alone, that most birds may 

 transport themselves to countries lying at great distances, 

 and across vast tracts of ocean. 



The following observations from Catesby are very appli- 

 cable; and shall conclude our remarks on this head: " The 

 manner of their journey ings may vary according as the 

 structure of their bodies enables them to support themselves 

 in the air. Birds with short wings, such as the Redstart, 

 Black-cap, &c., may pass by gradual and slower movements; 

 and their seems no necessity for a precipitate passage, as 

 every day affords an increase of warmth, and a continuance 

 of food. It is probable these itinerants may perform their 

 journey in the night time, in order to avoid ravenous birds, 

 and other dangers which day-light may expose them to. 

 The flight of the smaller birds of passage across the seas has, 

 by many, been considered as wonderful, and especially with 

 regard to those with short wings, among which Quails seem, 

 by their structure, little adapted for long flights ; nor are 

 they ever seen to continue on the wing for any length of 

 time, and yet their ability for such flights cannot be doubted. 

 The coming of these birds is certain and regular, from every 

 year's experience, but the cause and manner of their depar- 

 ture have not always been so happily accounted for; in short, 

 all we know of the matter ends in this observation, that 

 Providence has created a great variety of birds and other 

 animals with constitutions and inclinations adapted to their 

 several wants and necessities, as well as to the different 



