X 
introduction; 
fion of plenty. This ample provifion eonfifls chiefly of the lar- 
vae of gnats and other infers, with which the atmofphere muft 
be loaded in that region, during the fummer months. The eggs 
of thefe infects depofited in the mud, and hatched by the influ- 
ence of the unfetting fummer’s fun, arife, like exhalations, in 
multiplied myriads, and, as we may conceive, afford a never fail- 
ing fupply of food to the feathered tribes. An equal abun- 
dance of food is alfo provided for the young of thofe kinds 
of birds, which feek it from the waters, in the fpawn of fifiies, 
or the fmall fry, which fearlefsly fport in their native element^ 
undifturbed by the angler or the fifherman. In thefe retirements 
they remain, or only change their haunts from one lake or mifly 
bog to another, to procure food, or to mix with their kind ; 
and thus they pafs the long enlightened feafon. As foon as the 
fun begins, in fliortened peeps, to quit his horizontal courfe, 
the falling fnows, and the hollow blafts foretel the change, 
and are the fignals for their departure, — then it is, that the 
widely-fpreading winged hoft, having gathered together, in fe- 
parate tribes, their plump well-fledged families, dire6led by in- 
ftinftive knowledge, leave their native wilds, the ardic regions, 
that prolific fource, whence thefe multiplied migrators, in flocks 
innumerable, and in diredions like radii from the centre of a 
circle, are poured forth to replenifli the more fouthern quarters 
of the globe. In their route, they are impelled forwards, or ftop 
fiiort, in greater or lefler numbers, according t® the feverity or 
mildnefs of the feafon, and are thus more equally diftributed over 
the cultivated world ; where man, habituated to confider every 
thing in the creation as fubfervient to his ufe, and ever watchful 
to felze all within his grafp, makes them feel the full force of his 
power. Wherever they fettle under his dominion, thefe pretty 
wanderers afford a fupply to the wants of fome, pamper the 
luxury of others, and keep the eager fportfman in conftant em- 
ployment. 
- Leaving the lakes and inland watery waftes to purfue his rc° 
