BIRD LIFE, ETC. 173 



where, no doubt, they are engaged with a shoal of 

 launces. Listen again ! The oyster- catchers intermingle 

 their clamorous and curiously modulated cries ; and now, 

 louder than all, is clearly heard the call of the black- 

 backed gull, faintly seen in the dim light. Here is one 

 of his breeding-places, a turf-crowned crag, torn, as it 

 were, from the rocks, and forming an inlet inaccessible 

 to human feet. Creeping stealthily among the crags, 

 we faintly perceive the birds as they sit on their nests ; 

 but some of them have observed us. All spring on their 

 feet, and a few launch into the air, uttering loud cries, 

 which alarm the birds around. It is vain, you perceive, 

 to try to surprise them by night or by day. Wander 

 as long as you will in these places, what more can you 

 see? Perhaps a more acute observer may. British 

 Birds, vol. v. p. 534. 



23. GOD'S WORKS. 



Let us then humble ourselves, that in contemplating 

 God's works, we may ever see Him in the midst of them. 

 If, in this temper, we traverse the valley of the Dee, 

 and ascend the mountains from which the sources of 

 that beautiful river gush forth, even if we discover little 

 that may be of interest to science, we shall find much 

 that may benefit our spiritual nature. And what would 

 it profit a man were he to solve half the mysteries of 

 external Nature, and yet be ignorant of the higher 

 relations of his own being ? Strange adventures, perils 



