INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 159 



them advantages in this respect_, which no other Society 

 can enjoy without an expense that would be altogether 

 chimerical. These wide expanses of water^ although 

 situated almost close to the densely peopled quarters of 

 the metropolis, are yet of such extent^ that^ by their 

 sides being judiciously planted with aquatic plants and 

 shrubs, they are sufficient to contain hundreds of 

 aquatic birds, who might securely breed in the shelter 

 of its banks when sufficiently clothed with plants ; 

 while from these preserves, in a few years, the eggs and 

 voung of the most domesticated sorts might be distri- 

 buted and dispersed to those of the nobility and gentry 

 throughout the kingdom. The same results, although 

 in a less degree, may reasonably be expected from their 

 intention of cultivating and propagating the true 

 rasorial birds. The rapid increase of this Society, in- 

 deed, is very remarkable. Twelve months have scarcely 

 elapsed since it merely consisted of a few public- 

 spirited individuals, who justly conceived, that to bring 

 under the eye of the multitude an " untaxed " display 

 of animated nature, would contribute to soften and hu- 

 manise the lower orders, and to interest the intelligent. 

 Nor has this expectation been disappointed : their 

 motives have been appreciated, and their exertions se- 

 conded so promptly, that in these few months the 

 Society now numbers near 200 members, including all 

 the most eminent ornithologists ; while it is patronised by 

 the highest ranks in the kingdom. Thus encouraged, 

 their plans have been enlarged ; and as their funds in- 

 crease, they propose forming a museum of preserved 

 birds and a library of ornithological works. It is with 

 great pleasure tliat we can state, that in these most 

 desirable intentions they have received the support of 

 the Zoological Society ; from whose extensive museum, 

 already overburthened with duplicates, a liberal donation 

 of specimens, as it is understood, will be presented. 

 We cannot sufficiently extol such liberal feeling, and 

 such a course of sound policy as regards the advance- 

 ment of science ; an advancement which can never be 



