YERTEBEATA. 
imitated. " It must be listened to, and that by one whose senses are properly attuned to outward 
harmony by an indwelling and abiding love of the beautiful and the pure in nature : to him the 
soaring lark will seem indeed to pour forth at heaven's gate, a morning hymn of praise, and the 
nightingale to chant amid the leafy woodlands a vesper song of thankfulness : the full chorus of 
feathered minstrelsy will be to him like an angel choir, scattering melody on all around, which 
sinks into the soul like summer rain into the earth, gladdening and refreshing it." 
We have thus far been speaking of the native melody of birds. But many species are endowed 
by nature not only with wonderful powers of voice, but with accuracy of ear and powers of 
memory which enable them to catch and repeat artificial songs. It might be added that many 
of them are capable of being taught to perform various tricks. ISTot only the parrot, but many 
other species, can be so instructed as to imitate the human voice, and articulate words. There 
is, in truth, no end to the curiosities presented by a careful study of the feathered tribes. Their 
industry and ingenuity in building their nests, is a theme of admiring wonder alike to the natu- 
ralist and the common observer. The forecast of some birds in regard to the coming weather, 
often seems like prophecy, and they actually perform what the charlatan almanac-maker only 
pretends to do. The stratagems employed by birds to escape danger, to elude pursuit, and to de- 
fend their young, and especially the display of art in the construction of their nests with a view 
to concealment, are in the highest degree curious and entertaining. Indeed, in whatever way we 
may vievr the feathered tribes which surround us, they are a constant source of amusement and 
instruction. Without them, the world would be divested of one of its greatest and most abiding 
charms. Not only do they enliven the landscape by their beautiful forms, and varied colors, and 
graceful motions — not only do they fill the air and enliven the heart by their songs ; but some 
of the more graceful and gifted species often become inmates of our houses, and thus preserve 
for us, amid the rigors of the winter, glimpses of the departed spring and summer. They thus 
offer a ceaseless and boundless contribution to the pleasures of the world at large ; especially do 
they furnish an inexhaustible field of delightful inquiry to the scientific student of nature. 
