THE NATURAL HISTORY 
[LETT. 
But yet, should it farther appear that this simple bird, when 
divested of that natural a-Topyr] that seems to raise the kind in 
general above themselves, and inspire them with extraordinary 
degrees of cunning and address, may be still endued with a 
more enlarged faculty of discerning what species are suitable and 
congenerous nursing-mothers for its disregarded eggs and young, 
and may deposit them only under their care, this would be 
adding wonder to wonder, and instancing, in a fresh manner, 
that the methods of Providence are not subjected to any mode 
or rule, but astonish us in new lights, and in various and change- 
able appearances. 
What was said by a very ancient and sublime writer con- 
cerning the defect of natural affection in the ostrich may be 
well applied to the bird we are talking of : — 
" She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were 
not hers : 
^'Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath He 
imparted to her understanding." (Job xxxix. 16, 17.) 
Does each female cuckoo lay but one egg in a season, or does 
she drop several in different nests, according as opportunity 
offers ? 
Selborne, Feb. 19, 1770. 
