xl 
INTRaDUCTION. 
ecstacy, and in rapture he exclaims, These are thy glorious works. 
Parent of Good !” If the heart be unsophisticated and untainted, it prefers 
the loveliness of Nature, before all the allurements of artificial pleasures, 
and delights in participating in the general joy. It glories in the pleasing 
employment of unveiling the secrets of natural economy, of unravelling 
its mysteries, and elucidating the relations and concordances of the vast 
chain of universal being. The feathered tribes justly claim a part of his 
attention, as they conspire to enliven the scene with tlieir songs, afford him 
a nutritious food, and destroy his minute foes : and it is at this season they 
are seen to the best advantage. At the approach of spring, the social 
spirit, which unites them in flocks, gives way to a stronger impulse; they 
then seek for mates to raise a progeny. Among their tribes, numerous 
species preserv^e their union wdth inviolable fidelity, and associate together 
even throughout the wdnter. The Golden- crested Wren, the Marshtit- 
mouse, the Hedgesparrow, the Stonechat, the Bullfinch, the Misselthrush, 
the Magpie, the Crow, the Raven, and the Eagle, often exhibit bright 
examples of conjugal love, and participate in one of the highest endear- 
ments of human existence. In the opening of spring, the male bird either 
seeks for a female, or awaits her arrival. In the latter case, he seats him- 
self on some conspicuous branch, and pours forth loudly his amorous 
song. Oftentimes many females approach, accompanied by other males, 
then the strength and courage of the rivals are put to the test ; and, spurred 
on by emulation, they exert themselves in battle for the favour of the 
favourite fair one. A great deal of coquetry is practised, nor is the con- 
nubial engagement the work of a moment. Generally the older birds 
succeed in prowess ; but the female is not alw^ays the prize of the victor. 
Sometimes, she is pursued by her lover, even for days, before she yields, 
and often all his labours are mispent. They practice so many uncommon 
evolutions at this period, and exhibit their passions in so many strange 
w’ays, that it well repays the attention of the contemplative mind, to trace 
them through their days of love. Now the male sounds in his loudest 
tones his threats of defiance ; and in the next moment melts into a melan- 
