374 APPENDIX. VI. 



Thus most people see no difference between 

 one sheep and another, when a large flock is be- 

 fore them. The shepherd, however, knows each 

 of them, and can swear to them, if they are 

 lost; as can the Lmcolnslih^e gosherd to each 

 goose. 



As I now draw towards a conclusion of both 

 my experiments and observations on the singing 

 of birds; it may be possibly asked, what use re- 

 sults either from the trouble or expence which 

 they have cost me; both of which I admit to 

 have been considerable. 



I will readily ov, n, that no very important ad- 

 - vantages can be derived from them; and yet I 

 shall not decline suggesting what little profit 

 they may possibly be of, though at best they 

 should rather be considered as what Lord Bacon 

 tenxis, expermients of light, than of fruit. 



In the first place, there is no better method 

 , of investigating the human faculties, than by a 



comparison with those of animals ; provided we 

 make it without a most ungrateful wish of lower- 

 ing ourselves, in that distinguished situation in 

 which we are placed. 



Thus we are referred to the ant for an exam- 

 ple of industry and foresight, because it pro- 

 vides a magazine of food for the winter, w^hen 

 this animal is in a state of torpidity during that 



