PREFACE 



TO THE FIRST PART. 



It may probably be expected that some apology 

 should be offered for the present publication, which 

 contains so little of novelty. There are few to 

 whom the birds whose portraitures are here at- 

 tempted to be faithfully given are not familiar : 

 but who, that is thus acquainted with them, does 

 not admire the cheerful melody of their little 

 throats, and, thus admiring, would not acknowledge 

 a humble tribute made at the shrine of gratitude 

 for the delight and pleasure they afford him ? 



There is no other class throughout the whole 

 range of animated nature that affords such peculiar 

 sources of wonder and gratification to man, whether 

 in his youth or in the maturity of age, as that of 

 birds. Who that has observed the bold daring of the 

 Falcon, or the majestic stoop of the Eagle — the rapid 

 evolutions of the Swift, or the tenderness of the 

 Dove, can fail to admire these wonderful efforts of 

 creative wisdom, and to adore the great Author of 

 all things who called them into being ? 



The birds of song seem more especially created 

 to cheer man in his labour as tiller of the ground, 

 by the music of their notes. 



That heart must indeed be callous which is not 



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