Ixxxviii 
INTRODUCTION. 
in its actions, it runs wildly about, it flies in a thousand contorted modes, 
its wings flap in disappointment and grief ; place its dying partner before 
it, and its sorrows increase, its little bosom, agitated by conflicting passions, 
displays in the wildness of its manner the pangs that rend it asunder ; but 
if fear predominate over its feelings, and it can no longer pour forth the 
eflusions of tenderness over its expiring mate, it retires to a neighbouring 
tree in melancholic sadness, to vent, in unavailing mournings, its anguish 
and its agony. 
The transition from the affections of birds to their discernment, is natural 
and easy, as the one presupposes the other. In obtaining their food they 
rdisplay no small share of sagacity; — the Lapwing beats the ground with 
its foot to bring up the worm from beneath. The Wagtail skims 
in a line the surface of the thatch -covered cottages, from the eaves to 
the roof, then flies off to gain the eaves again, and ascends as before, that 
its prey may not be alarmed and retire beyond its reach. The Swallow 
often follows the course of the horseman, to catch the flies roused by the 
horse’s feet. Gulls, Rooks, Wagtails, and many other birds, seek the paths 
of the plough ; and the little Redbreast the furrows made by the spade of 
the gardener. Starlings mingle with Rooks, as Jackals with Lions, or the 
Pilot-fish with the Shark, to participate in the food which their larger com- 
panions reject or despise. The Woodpecker utters its harsh scream to 
rouse the frightened inhabitants, thrusts its long-armed tongue into the 
ant-hill, and writhing it violently round, drags out the little insects impaled 
on its barbs. The Corvorant, in rivers, endeavours to drive the scaly fry 
into some nook or inlet, in which it may, with greater ease and facility, 
destroy them. The Kingfisher, in suspended balance, hovers over the 
shallow stream, to attract its prey by the brilliancy of its plumage. The 
some time its mournful chirping. My heart was melted at the sight ; and I wished that guns and 
gun-powder could not deal destruction ; and more, that I had not been the cause of so much 
pain. 
