INTRODUCTION 



TO THK 



HISTORY OF BRITISH LAND BIRDS, 



IN no part of the animal creation are the wisdom, the good- 

 ness, and the bounty of Providence displayed in a more 

 lively manner than in the structure, formation, and various 

 endowments of the feathered tribes. The symmetry and 

 elegance discoverable in their outward appearance, although 

 highly pleasing to the sight, are yet of much greater im- 

 portance when considered with respect to their peculiar 

 habits and modes of living, to which they are eminently 

 subservient. 



