ORNITHOLOGY. 



which is frequently involved by the larger feathers, is of a 

 soft texture like hair, and the quills of the wings gradually 

 vary in their size from the origin to the extremity, and are 

 capable of being folded up closely to the body; the feet are 

 divided into toes or claws branching out and armed at the 

 ends with a strong hook or point ; but the most remarkable 

 circumstance of ail is their bill which answers the purpose 

 of mouth and nose ; the eyes are placed upon each side of 

 the head, by which means they are more protected from 

 external injury and are invested with a curious nictitating 

 membrane, by which they can exclude any degree of light 

 when found to be too powerful. The instinct of birds is no 

 less surprizing than their structure, the conjugal attachments 

 which they form, so necessary to the protection and support 

 of their young, the long and fatiguing journies performed 

 by the migratory tribes of birds, are proofs of Providence 

 the most striking and decisive. 



The beauty and splendid plumage of the tropliical birds 

 has been the general theme of admiration with almost all 

 travellers. Nevertheless it is much to be questioned if they 

 who reside in the temperate regions of the globe, would 

 willingly exchange those feather'd songsters which charm 

 them in every succeeding spring, for the gay Birds of Para- 

 dise or the splendid Macaws. The inhabitants of the hotter 

 climates of the East and West Indies are frequently stunned 

 and wearied with a continual noise which results from the 

 vocal tenants of their forests. The Saw-Bird, so called 

 from the incessant croaking noise which it makes in the 

 night time, is enough to weary the most resolute patience 

 with its monotonous sounds. In England, if we wish to 

 be charmed with the songsters of the grove, it is always 

 from choice, not from necessity, and we must court the 

 lonely Philomel, if we wish to enjoy her enchanting and 



