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[LETT. 
since it would be as difficult to be explained as the most stupen- 
dous phenomenon in nature. 
" Say, what impels, amidst surrounding snow 
Congealed, the crocus' flamy bud to glow i 
Say, what retards, amidst the summer's blaze, 
Th' autumnal bulb, till pale, declining days ? 
The God of Seasons ; whose pervading power 
Controls the sun, or sheds the fleecy shower : 
He bids each flower His quick'ning word obey ; 
Or to each lingering bloom enjoins delay." 
SiCLBORNE, Jahj'S, 1778. 
LETTEll LXXXIV. 
TO THE HOXOUFiABLE DAIXES BARRIKGTON'. 
" Omnibus animalibus reliquis certus et uniusmodi, et in suo cuique genere 
ineessus est : aves solaB vario nieatu feruntur, et in terra, et in acre." — Plin. 
Hist. Nat. lib. x. cap. 38. 
" All animals have a certain definite and peculiar gait ; birds alone move in 
a varied manner both on the ground and in the air." 
A GOOD ornithologist should be able to distinguish birds by their 
air as well as by their colours and shape ; on the ground as well 
as on the wing, and in the bush as well as in the hand. For, 
though it must not be said that every species of birds has a 
manner peculiar to itself, yet there is somewhat in most genera 
at least that at first sight discriminates them, and enables a 
judicious observer to pronounce upon them with some certainty. 
Put a bird in motion " and it is truly betrayed by its gait." 
" — — Et vera incessu patuit — — — — " 
Thus kites and buzzards sail round in circles with wings 
expanded and motionless ; and it is from their gliding manner 
that the former are still called in the north of England and 
Scotland "gleds," from the Saxon verb glidan, to glide. The 
