Xll INTRODUCTION. 



when the trees are decked in their gorgeous tapestry, 

 and the landscape assumes a golden hue, how 

 greatly are the strolls of the naturalist enlivened by 



The Redbreast's soft, autumnal song ; 



or when we 



— hear the Thrush a farewell lay 

 Pour out as sinks to rest the day. 

 While from the stubble, sudden spring 

 The Partridges on sounding wing ; 

 And, Larks high soaring in the air, 

 Proclaim their pleasure still is there. 



And even when stern Winter reigns supreme 

 accompanied with all his ensigns of power, " which 

 he most regally doth wear," — when he has clad the 

 earth in a crystal robe, and crowned the trees with 

 a garniture of rime, 



The Redbreast swells, 

 In the slow fading wood, his little throat, 



and charms us by his winning manners and confi- 

 ding disposition. The Wren, the Kinglet, and the 

 Dunnoc also enliven the uniformity of this bleak 

 season, and, when the sunlight brightens the land- 

 scape into sparkling radiance, they carol forth their 

 SAveetest notes with all the beauty of their summer 

 ditties ! 



