INCESSORES 
INTRODUCTION. 
For to me it appears, that, of all inferior creatures, Ileaven seems to 
have intended birds as the most cheerful associates of man ; to soothe 
and exhilarate him in his labours by their varied melody ; to prevent 
the increase of those supernumerary hosts of insects which would soon 
eonaume the products of his industry. 
Alex. Wilson. 
Others more gorgeously appareU’d, dwelt 
Among the woods, on nature’s dainties feeding, 
Herbs, seeds, and roots ; or, ever on the wing, 
Pursuing insects through the boundless air : 
In hollow trees or thickets there conceal’d 
Their exquisitely woven nests, where lay 
Their callow offspring. ■ 
Of these, a few, with melody untaught. 
Turn’d all the air to music within hearing, 
Themselves unseen. 
In our former volume we detailed, so far as 
our limits would permit, the history and habits 
of the order of birds which has, by common 
