BRITISH BIRDS. 
156 
out alike to all, and is amply ftored with every- 
thing neceffary for the fupport of the various fa- 
milies of the earth ; it is owing to the fuperior in- 
dultry of man that he is enabled to appropriate fo 
large a portion of the bell gifts of providence for 
his own fubfillence and comfort ; let him not then 
think it walte, that, in fome inllances, creatures in- 
ferior to him in rank are permitted to partake with 
him, nor let him grudge them their fcanty pit- 
tance ; but, confidering them only as the takers of 
his full meal, let him endeavour to imitate their 
chearfulnefs, and lift up his heart in grateful effu- 
fions to Him, “ who filleth all things living with 
plenteoufnefs.” 
The Sparrow never leaves us, but is familiar to 
the eye at all times, even in the moll crowded and 
bufy parts of a town : It builds its nell under the 
eaves of houfes, in holes of walls, and often about 
churches ; it is made of hay, carelefsly put toge- 
ther, and lined with feathers : The female lays five 
or fix eggs, of a reddifh white colour, fpotted with 
brown ; Ihe has generally three broods in the year, 
from whence the multiplication of the fpecies mull 
be immenfe. Though familiar, the Sparrow is 
faid to be a crafty bird, eafily dillinguilhing the 
fnares laid to entrap it. In autumn prodigious 
Hocks of them are feen every where, both in town 
and country ; they often mix with other birds, and 
not unfrequently partake with the Pigeons or the 
poultry, in fpite of every precaution to prevent 
