BIRDS IN GENERAL. 93 



LESSON XIV. 



BIRDS IN GENERAL. 



BIRDS form the second class in the animal 

 kingdom. They differ very widely from the 

 mammalia, both in their structure and appear- 

 ance, and in the mode of producing their young. 

 They all lay eggs, and are hence called ovi- 

 parou 5 animals. These eggs, on being incubated 

 or sat upon, are hatched by the warmth of the 

 mother, and at the end of a certain time young 

 birds are produced from them. 



TLe form of birds is very graceful, and though 

 a numerous class, they have a strong general 

 resemblance to each other. All of them have 

 two legs, two wings, a horny bill, and a body 

 covered with feathers. They are found in every 

 part of the world ; and, like all other natural 

 objects, afford striking proofs of the wisdom and 

 care of their Creator. In very hot countries 

 this class of creatures is seen sporting amidst lofty 



