XVIII. 



ON MULTIPLYING THE BIRDS AROUND 

 OUR DWELLINGS- 



The presence of birds as companions of a country 

 residence is considered by all a desirable circumstance, 

 second only to woods, flowers, green fields, and the 

 general advantages of prospect. Without birds, the 

 landscape, if not wanting in beauty, would lack some- 

 thing which is necessary to the happiness of all men 

 who are elevated above a state of gross sensualism. It 

 is indeed highly probable that nature owes more to the 

 lively motions, songs, and chattering of birds, for the 

 influence of her charms, than to any other single accom- 

 paniment of terrestial scenery. They are so intimately 

 associated with all that is delightful in field and forest, 

 with our early walks in the morning, our rest at noon- 

 day, and our meditations at sunset, with the trees that 

 spread their branches over our heads, and the vines and 

 delicate mosses at our feet, that it is difficult to think 

 of the one apart from the others. Through the voices 

 of birds nature may be said to speak to us, and without 

 them she would be but a dumb companion, whose 

 beauty could hardly be felt. 



It is customary, when speaking of the advantages of 



