13 * n^atural history. 
BIRDS of the S P^RROIV KIND, 
D ESCENDIN G from the larger to 
the fmaller kinds, we come to this clafs of 
birds, which live chiefly in the neighbourhood 
of man, whom they feem to conlider as their 
befh friend, filling his groves and fields with 
harmony, that elevates his heart to fliare 
their raptures. All other birds are eitlier 
mute or fcreaming ; and it is only this dimi- 
nutive tribe that have voices equal to their 
beauty. Great birds feem to dread the vici- 
nity of man, while theft alone remain in the 
neighbourhood of cultivation, warbling in 
hedge-rows, or mixing with the poultry, in 
the farm-yard. 
They are remarkably brave ; often fighting 
until one of them yields up its life with the 
vidtory. When young, they are fed upon 
worms and inftdts ; but* when gTown up, they 
feed principally upon grain. As they devour 
great fwarms of pernicious vermin, which de- 
flroy the root before the vegetable is grown, 
they are particularly uftful to the farmer and 
gardener. 
The befl; vocal performers of this mufical 
tribe, are, the nightingale, thrufh, black-bird, 
lark, redbreafl, blackcap, wren. Canary-bird, 
linnet, goldfinch, bulfinch brambling, yellow- 
hammer and fifkin. ^ 
This 
