2 
INTRODUCTION. 
able set of gentlemen known by the title of 
critics, to be induced to write entirely for the 
second motive ; but, as for the last, perhaps 
it may have as much weight with me as it 
has with some who disdain to acknowledge it. 
Having frequently assisted others in their 
endeavours to amuse or instruct the public, 
as well as having presented a trifle or two of 
my own, although not in propria persona, 
which the said public were kind enough to 
approve, I am induced once more to venture 
forth, and to solicit a further indulgence and 
patronage for the present work. 
The subject I have chosen is, to my fancy, 
one full of interest ; for, of all animated na- 
ture (next to my own species), birds are the 
most interesting and beautiful of God's crea- 
tures ; and the intensity of my feelings, while 
listening to the sweet, but to me melancholy, 
song of the robin, or to the clear and melo- 
dious notes of the skylark, as he chants his 
