NATURAL HISTORY. 
H7 
Tts parents, then paternal afFeftionfbr its oflf- 
fpring ; for, when the old ones are fo far 
ailvanced in years, as to be incapable of pro- 
viding for theinfelves, the young ones will 
ferve them with food in the hour of necelli- 
ty, cover and cherifli them with their wings, 
and even carry them on their backs to a great 
cjiftance.. What an example is this of filial 
piety! Who can obferve this afteiTtionate 
bird,feedingancl defending its aged and helplefs 
parent, till death relieves them from their 
anxiety, without exclaiming, 0 ye children 
hnilate tjiis amiable example ; let not a firn- 
ple bird upbraid and condemn yon but, on 
the contrary, let it Jliniulate you to the dif- 
charge of this mofl pleafing duty ; let it re- 
call to your mind the anxious days, and fleep- 
lefs nights they haxte endured in nurfing, pro- 
tedling, and projnoting your 'welfare ', and you 
'will not fail to imitate the fork, in foot king 
their decline of life, with the lenients of your 
love, care, obedience and gratitude. 
The H E 11 O N, 
bird may be diftniguiflicd from the 
crane and ftork, by its Imaller liic ; by the 
bill, which is much longer in proportion ; 
and alfo by the middle, claw of each foot, 
which are toothed like a faw, to enable it to 
feiie, 
