96 NATURAL HISTORY. 
therefore, is not peculiar to any particular 
fpecies of bird, but rather caufed by tlie dif- 
ference of the country and climate in which 
they are bred. In Cayan, Java, and other 
warm climates, thofc birds, which uniformly 
migrate in the cold regions of Norway, 
North-America, and Kamtfchatka, are con- 
ftant refidents through every change of fea- 
fon. The manner of their departure is too 
curious to pafs unnoticed. They range them- 
felves in a column, like an I, or in two lines, 
refembling the fides of a wedge. When 
they have taken flight, one particular bird 
takes the lead ; after going a certain diftance, 
he is relieved by another. In their progrefs, 
feveral particulars occur to excite our won- 
der, as well as our veneration, at that im- 
menlity of wifdom, which has formed them 
with fo extraordinary an inftindt. Who ac- 
quainted their young with the time, place, 
and necellity of their departure i* and what 
can induce them to change the place of 
their nativity for a flrange country ? Who 
caufes the imprifoned bird to feel its captivi- 
ty at the time of emigration ; or who is the 
herald, to affemblci thefe feathered voyagers 
and travellers .? Who is it that forbids one 
to depart before the appointed time ? Who 
forms their charts ; or who fupplies them 
with a compafs, to direft them over pathlels 
waftes, and tracklels oceans ? Or who is it 
that guides them to thole countries, where 
they reft and recruit themfelves after their 
long 
