INTRODUCTION. 
Ixxxv 
large llocks, as the Swallow, the INIartin, the Fieldfare, and the Redwing ; 
others, as the Ringousel, in smaller parties. Indeed, this principle of asso- 
ciatioQ may be remarked in active exertion, in most species of the fea- 
thered race. Few disown its power, and those only in consequence of an 
organization which forbids them to unite, or from the ferocity of their 
manners, or the nature of their food. Some in small family flocks, others, 
in larger companies, composed of many families ; and others, in immense 
multitudes gather together ; the cause of their union is social love, and of 
their dispersion, sensual appetite. In autumn this congregation begins, 
and the society disperses again, in pairs, in the spring ; the pleasures and 
advantages derived from community are then relinquished, to reap higher 
gratifleations in individual love. Most birds own the influence of that 
natural principle, every where the foundation of human society ; a love of 
their fellows. This secret, but impelling, spur to union, connects the race 
of Sparrows as well as men ; but when this active propensity to social 
union, this common impulse, would be detrimental either to others or 
themselves, nature, with that benevolent care, exemplified in all her works, 
has suppressed this sensation, as injurious to the individual, or noxious to its 
fellows. Thus, Lions never range in hordes, as their concentrated power, 
in irresistible fury, would spread devastation over their course. Eagles and 
rapacious birds, formed for rapine and destruction, find their pleasures in 
solitude ; but Vultures, which prey on putridity, and fatten on corruption, 
unite in multitudes to devour the carcases which contain within them the 
seeds of contagion and pestilence ; and Woodpeckers, from the nature of 
their food, are condemned to a lonely life, secluded from the joys of 
society and the endearments of mutual connexion. When the social 
cause of this opinion ; and, to my great surprize, I at length found, that the chirping song of the 
Chaffinch in Devon, is very different from the notes of the same species in Dorsetshire and -Wilt- 
shire ; — in the latter counties, the former part of Its song, if song it may be called, is totally 
dissimilar from that of the Chaffinch of Devon, though the closing notes are exactly the same.. 
