THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS. 335 
observation; and we can note them now unhidden 
in their lairs, uncongealed beneath the foliage in the 
hedge ; the very vegetation, bathed in dew and 
moisture, full fed, partakes of this early morning joy 
and health, and every creeping thing is refreshed 
and satisfied. As day advances, it changes all ; and 
of these happy beings of the early hour, part are 
away, and we must seek them ; others are oppressed, 
silent, listless ; the vegetable, no longer lucid with 
dew, and despoiled of all the little gems that glittered 
from every serrature of its leaf, seems pensive at the 
loss. When blessed with health, having peace, in- 
nocence, and content, as inmates of the mind, per- 
haps the most enjoyable hours of life may be found 
in an early summer's morning." 
Having now brought the present little volume 
near a conclusion, I beg to make a few remarks re- 
specting the nests of those birds which form the 
illustrations; presuming thereby, to shew how apt 
we all are to think too highly of our own powers and 
abilities, and too prone to look with contempt on 
the works of nature, which so clearly demonstrate 
the wisdom of Him who teaches even the little 
