BRITISH BIRDS. 
127 
OF THE PASSERINE ORDER . 
This numerous clafs conftitutes the fifth order 
in Mr Pennant’s arrangement of Britifh birds, and 
includes a great variety of different kinds : Of thefe 
we have detached the Stare, the Thrufh, and the 
Chatterer, and have joined them to the Pies, to 
which they feem to have a greater affinity. Thofe 
which follow are diflinguifhed by their lively and 
aCtive difpofitions, their beautiful plumage, and de- 
lightful melody. Of this order confift thofe ama- 
zing flocks of fmall birds of almoft every descrip- 
tion — thofe numerous families, which, univerfally 
diffufed throughout every part of the known world, 
people the woods, the fields, and even the large ft 
and mofl populous cities, in countlefs multitudes, 
and every where enliven, diverfify, and adorn the 
face of nature. Thefe are not lefs confpicuous for 
their ufefulnefs, than their numbers and variety: 
They are of infinite advantage in the economy of 
nature, in deftroying myriads of noxious infects, 
which would otherwife teem in every part of the 
animal and vegetable fyftems, and would pervade 
and choke up all the avenues of life and health. 
Infers and their eggs, worms, berries, and feeds 
of almoft every kind, form the varied mafs from 
whence thefe bufy little tribes derive their Support. 
The characters of the Pafferine order, which 
are as various as their habits and difpofitions, will 
