ORDER PASSERES. 243 



unqualified mischief. Where is the compensation on their 

 part? They set limits, say some, to the exuberance of 

 the vegetable world, which would otherwise be too great. 

 But these are dreams, and very presumptuous ones, too ; for 

 they rest on the supposition that this earth, and all its pro- 

 ductions, animal and vegetable, were created for man alone. 

 In pretending to defend the Divinity, we exalt ourselves: 

 things were not made solely with a view to his advan- 

 tage, nor is the Great Governor of the Universe employed 

 in adjusting a nice balance among them, on his account. 

 Myriads of living beings have been produced, and each has a 

 right to subsistence as well as man. Correcting the exube- 

 rance of the vegetable system, indeed ! Idle theory. 

 Relieving plants of their superfluous juices ! Pray what 

 is the particular use of lice and fleas ? Are they intended to 

 relieve the plethora of the animal system ? 



In a wild state, the note of the sparrow is only a chirp. 

 This does not arise, however, from want of powers. The 

 sparrow can be educated to imitate the song of the linnet and 

 goldfinch, or both. 



Mr. Smellie relates a pleasing anecdote of the aflfection of 

 these birds towards their off'spring. 



" When I was a boy," (says this gentleman) " I carried 

 off" a nest of young sparrows, about a mile from my place 

 of residence. After the nest was completely moved, and while 

 I was marching home with them in triumph, I perceived, with 

 some degree of astonishment, both the parents following me 

 at some distance, and observing my motions in perfect silence. 

 A thought then struck me, that they might follow me home, 

 and feed the young according to their usual manner. When 

 just entering the door, I held up the nest, ?.nd made the 

 young ones utter the cry which is expressive of the desire of 

 food. I immediately put the nest and the young m th6 



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