INTRODUCTION. 
51 
than as the natural check interposed by Divine 
Providence upon a race of creatures which, in 
their own places, also lend efficient aid against 
other classes of depredators. 
As articles of food, the members of the inces- 
sorial order are either, many of them, too diminu- 
tive, and in other respects, such as flavour, &c. 
unpalatable, at least to the British taste ; and 
although in some countries, as Italy and France, 
neither their utility, beauty of plumage, nor melody 
of voice, saves them from the appetite of the 
epicure, still, among the many important services 
which they afford to man, that of administering 
to his supply of food can scarcely be enumerated. 
Among our enjoyments out of doors, perhaps 
those which we derive from the incessores are not 
the least or most insignificant. Our walks are ever 
cheered by their lively notes or song, and it is 
only those who have wandered through the lonely 
forest, and experienced the gloom which prevails, 
when not a motion is seen, or a noise heard, save 
the trembling leaf or the sighing of the blast, that 
can appreciate the effects of the wildest and most 
monotonous notes of its tenants. What a change 
in the character of our woods and ornamental 
groves does even the accession of our summer 
birds of passage occasion. In winter the land- 
scape is filled up by flocks of various creatures, all 
active in looking for subsistence, or assembling 
together for warmth ; but with the return of spring, 
and the freshness of vegetation, we have also the 
bustle and activity of incubation — voices that have 
