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tropics, are v^eiy interesting and desorve our attention 

 and admiration, and tliey have received it from a great 

 number of persons who love to look upon and study 

 them. Such were Audubon and Wilson, who devoted 

 the greater portion of their lives to this work and have 

 turned out valuable works. 



The poets make frequent mention of nature. Many 

 beautiful poems may be found concerning birds, either 

 as a race, or individually. 



There are thousands of birds scattered over the earth 

 and many have gorgeous plumage, and voices of sweet 

 melody. 



The bible makes frecjuent mention of birds, and the 

 names of some are often found upon its pages. How 

 interesting are the circumstances there related which 

 describe them. How the ravens fed the prophet Elijah 

 in the valley, and the flocks of quails came from the 

 sea and saved the Israelites from perishing with hun- 

 ger. 



Birds hold a charm for every one who loves them„ 

 and are sure to give you pleasure, and repay you for 

 having studied them. A few will be mentioned and 

 described iu the following pages of this work. 



