INTRODUCTION TO BIRDS. 



Birds are one of the most interesting kingdoms of 

 the earth. They are divided into many classes, accord- 

 ing to their food, habits, dwelling place and plumage, 

 some of which are rare and gorgeous, surpassing the 

 vain attempts of man by his knowledge to a wonderful 

 extent. The body of most birds is boat-shaped in order 

 to render their progress through the air more easy and 

 rapid, their bones are hollow, serving to make their 

 frame-work light. All birds are bountifully provided. 

 Some which have no wings are endowed with great 

 swiftness of limb, and others which are apparently de- 

 ficient in one respect are provided for in another. 



It was from the bird's body that man obtained the 

 idea of shaping his boat, and we are indebted to them 

 in many ways which are scarcely ever thought of. 



The different birds of the world have their own 

 locality and mode of feeding, and their habits change 

 not, but the way in which they were first created and 

 the instinct of each which was then given them ever 

 remains the same. 



Birds of prey— hawks, eagles and owls — are very 

 large and strong. They are fitted with beak and claws 

 in accordance with the life they lead, which is the cap- 

 turing and tearing to pieces of smaller birds and ani- 

 mals for food. The whole race, from the huge condor 

 of the lofty mountains, to the minute hummer of the 



