INTRODUCTION. 
5 
scenery, or the loveliest groves, would, in my 
eyes, lose half their charms, were they unin- 
habited by those lovely songsters. The fea- 
thered race of all climates are interesting ; 
but our own dear English birds are, to my 
fancy, the most so : many amongst them are 
not indebted to a gay and splendid plumage 
to ensure our admiration, but they charm us 
by the variety and exquisite melody of their 
notes. Truly may they be compared to per- 
sons of intrinsic worth, with a plain exterior. 
There is a "language in flowers equally 
interesting is the language of birds. It is a 
language of love and adoration ; and how 
forcibly does it speak to the heart all must 
allow. Where is the poet who has not felt 
and acknowledged the power of those war- 
blers over his feelings, when taking his rural 
rambles ? and where is the lover who may 
not learn of them a tender lay ? How 
truly beautiful are the following lines by 
B 2 
