THE BIRD. 
How the Author tons led to the Study of Nature. 
p 
“aa CO my faithful friend, the Public, who has listened 
to me for so long a period without disfavour, | 
owe a confession of the peculiar circumstances 
which, while not leading me altogether astray 
from history, have induced me to devote myself 
to the natural sciences. 
= The book which I now publish may be described as 
the offspring of the domestic circle and the home fireside. It is from 
our hours of rest, our afternoon conversations, our winter readings, 
our summer gossips, that this book, if it be a book, has been 
gradually evolved. 
Two studious persons, naturally reunited after a day’s toil, put 
together their gleanings, and refreshed their hearts by this closing 
evening feast. 
Am I saying that we have had no other assistance? To make 
