40 Gbe Warbler 



Previons to a storm the birds give indication of its approach. Our 

 Vultures in very great numbers rise in circles till they are almost lost in the 

 region of the clouds ; the Stormy Petrels (Theapidroma Wilsonii) crowd in great 

 numbers around vessels and follow in their wake, as if seeking the protec- 

 tion of man. The Sea Gulls <md Terns make the shores re-echo with their 

 hoarse, clamorus notes. The Loon {Colymbus^glacialis) is excessively rest- 

 less and his screams are heard at a distance of more than a mile, and the 

 Barred Owl (Sh ix nebulosa) utters his funereal cries even in the day, but 

 when finer weather is about to return the whole scene is changed, and every 

 hedge and copse and grove is rendered vocal and the whole feathered tribe 

 seem to rejoice at the prospects of the cessation of the storm and the antic- 

 ipation of bright skies and sunny days. 



But, although our subject is far from being exhausted, I am admonish- 

 ed that I have already trespassed to long on your patience and that it is 

 time to bring these desultory remarks to a close. If I shall have fortun- 

 ately succeeded in throwing even a ray of light on that which has hitherto 

 appeared mysterious in nature; or if I have been enabled to awaken in a 

 single mind a sentiment of admiration and gratitude to that superintending 

 Providence, who teaches "the Stork in the heavens to know her appointed 

 time, and the Turtle, and the Crane, and the Swallow to know the time of 

 their coming," I shall be doubly recompensed for those pleasing studies of 

 nature which have enabled me to offer these remarks. The farther we pur- 

 sue this subject the more we will be convinced that there is a wise arrange- 

 ment in nature which governs instinct and action, and creates being and 

 beauty and happiness. The laws by which the whole system of nature is 

 governed are equally simple and majestic, and are equally visible in the 

 minutest as well as in the most stupendous of God's works, From the 

 beauty and harmony of that system of nature by which we are surrounded 

 the mind is insensibly led to admire and adore that mighty cause — the foun- 

 tain of wisdom and perfection — who though unseen is ever present, who is 

 "The source of all matter and mind and modes of existence." 



The temple of nature, wide and wonderful as it is, stands ever open in- 

 viting the ignorant as well as the wise to enter and learn those lessons 

 which are calculated not only to enlighten the mind but to improve the 

 heart; and the chief object of science and philosophy should be to lead us to 

 the altar of the benevolent Author of all things, and to make our experi- 

 ence and knowledge subservient to His o-rand designs. 



