BIRDS IN GENERAL, II 



feel the great distinctions which nature has made, and 

 on which these divisions are founded. 



In nearly all cases where animals pass from one 

 Class or kind into another, we find that it is through 

 some individuals, which partake more or less of the 

 nature of each Class. Thus, the division between 

 land animals, and fish, is so indistinct, that it is difficult 

 to say, to which kind some individuals belong. 



The same observation may be made in respect to 

 the birds. There is, for instance, no abrupt division 

 between the Land and Water Birds, the Waders 

 forming a kind of link by which these two kinds are 

 connected. Among the Waders there are some 

 which are tolerably w r ell fitted for the land or the 

 water, but are not perfectly well adapted for either. 

 Such are the Flamingo, the Heron, and the Pelican. 



The same gradual passage from one kind to another, 

 is observed among the Land Birds. The Crow, the 

 Jay, and several others, eat both seeds and flesh, thus 

 being intermediate between the granivorous and ra- 

 pacious birds. 



INSTINCT OF BIRDS. 



There is hardly a more striking proof of the wisdom 

 and benevolence of the Creator, than is exhibited by 

 that mysterious quality which is called instinct, and 

 which is possessed in a remarkable degree by the 

 birds. 



The nests of some birds are built with such exqui- 



Is the division between land and water animals very distinct ? 

 What order of Birds are fitted in a degree both for the land and 

 water ? 



What Birds eat both seeds and flesh ? 

 What does the instinct of Birds prove ? 



