14 BIRDS IN GENERAL. 



they observe the time of their coming with nearly 

 equal exactness, and hence must leave the country 

 where they have spent the winter at the same period 

 every year. 



Most species of birds assemble together, before they 

 begin their flight, and seem to hold a consultation on 

 the subject of their long journey. The Swallows, 

 Blackbirds, Storks, Wild Geese, and many other spe- 

 cies, perform their voyages in large flocks. 



Some birds migrate only from one part of the same 

 country to another, while others take immense jour- 

 nies, and fly from one continent, or quarter of the 

 globe, to another. 



The Wild goose, the Crane, and several other spe- 

 cies, are supposed to rear their young farther to the 

 north than any human being has yet penetrated, thus 

 making journies twice every year of three or four 

 thousand miles. 



Nothing in Natural History is more wonderful, or 

 more unaccountable, than the migration of birds. It 

 is a subject on which the reasoning, and the knowledge 

 of man is of little use. We can only say that they 

 leave one country and fly to another, apparently either 

 for the purpose of enjoying a warmer climate, of ob- 

 taining food, or with the intention of rearing their 

 young. But how they should know which way to 

 fly, when to begin their journey, T>r by what means 



Do most Birds assemble in flocks, before they begin their journies? 



Where is it supposed the Crane and Wild Goose rear their 

 young- ? 



For what purpose do Birds migrate ? 



By what means are they able to keep their course over ocean* 

 and continents , ? 



