AND SONG BIRDS. 



3 



garden ; and I fear that any observations which 

 I may make on this head will not have suffi- 

 cient weight with them to attract attention to it 

 on the part of the horticulturist. Nevertheless 

 I will venture for once to offer a remark or 

 two on a subject which always interests me ; 

 and, if what I shall say does not meet with 

 general approbation, may I hope that my rea- 

 ders will give me credit for good intentions. 

 I wish not to appear dictatorial. A few brief 

 observations, penned down without the least 

 intention on my part to be considered in the 

 light of an innovator, will, I trust, not be 

 wholly lost. 



To me, whom kind Providence has destined 

 to spend the best part of my time in the open 

 air, the song of birds is soothing beyond ex- 

 pression ; and whilst I am admiring the beauty 

 of the rising flowers around me, I know no 

 greater addition to my gratification than that 

 of listening to it. How enchanting is it to 

 inspect the early snowdrops, those a fair maids 

 of February," whilst the stormcock is pouring 

 forth his newly acquired notes from the top of 

 a neighbouring elm ! and how delightful it is 

 to hear cock-robin's carol on the thorn that 



B 2 



