156 
NATURAL HISTORY 
branch, or a double row of leaves, down which the rain 
slides, without entering the opening, which lies con- 
cealed below. The outward part of the nest is made 
of solid materials, as thorns, reeds, clay, or compact 
moss; while the inner is composed of softer materials, 
closely interwoven, so as to keep out wind, rain, or in- 
sects. But each species has its peculiar taste. When 
the building is completed, some hang the inside with a 
tapestry of feathers, oi jilt it with wool or silk. 
Nothing can exceed the patience of birds, while 
hatching; neither hunger nor danger can drive them from 
their nest. And nothing can exceed the tender assi- 
duity and care which they manifest for their young. 
Sometimes one parent goes in quest of provisions, some- 
times another, and sometimes both. They are up before 
the sun, and labour till the day is down; and the food 
which they procure, they distribute with great equality, 
giving each a portion in its turn, before ever they feed 
one bird twice. So great is their affection for their off- 
spring, that it changes their natural disposition. Observe 
the hen when she is the parent of a family: she is no 
longer the same creature; she is no longer ravenous and 
insatiable; if she finds but a grain of corn, or a crumb 
of bread, she never touches it herself, but calls her chicks 
by a note which they understand, and divides it among 
them. She is no longer fearful and timorous, but at the 
head of her troop boldly attacks dog, cat, or any thing 
that approaches near to disturb her young. 
Birds manifest a surprising instinct in discriminating 
and selecting their food. In whatever manner, and on 
whatever materials they feed, their forms and powers 
are exactly adapted to the various circumstances. Spar- 
rows, and in general, all granivorous birds, which live 
upon seeds, which they find scattered up and down 
through the fields and the groves, require no great effort 
to obtain it, or break or tear it in pieces, therefore they 
are furnished with a small bill, as well as short legs and 
necks, which is sufficient for their purpose. But others, 
as the woodcock, snipe, curlew, &c. seek their food deep 
in the earth or slime. Hence, to accommodate their pe- 
