342 
LAWS OF DEPENDANCE. 
of January when the w’eather was tolerably severe, 
and it ceased after this on occasion only of unusual 
inclemencies, but it not only sings thus early and 
on through spring and summer, but it is also an 
autumnal songster on to the end of September 
usually, its note however at this last period having 
undergone some change, and being repeated with 
longer intervals of silence. Individuals differ 
somewhat in the intonations of the song, but in 
general it may be compared to the following sylla¬ 
bles repeated in quick succession and often with a 
tinkling utterance—twit a, twit a, twit a, twit a, twit. 
They seem to pair about the middle of April, and 
do not object to rear their brood within pistol-shot 
of houses. 1 have noticed the species resident in 
fields overhanging the sea. The species seems 
almost limited to the south-western parts of the 
kingdom, where it enjoys a climate more in unison 
with that experienced by the aggregate of the kind 
on the continent, its chief station. 
The Laics of dependance of one animal on 
another, or others, are as yet but slightly compre¬ 
hended, and of the uses of the lower subjects in the 
economy of Creation we are particularly ignorant; 
yet at times a glimpse of some intention of nature 
comes across the path of the naturalist, and ani¬ 
mates his pursuit at least temporarily. Slugs and 
worms find abundant consumption by the generality 
of insectivorous birds especially during winter, and 
in regard of land-shells respecting which a doubt 
might be entertained by some as to whether they 
were really of any use in the system of the world, 
it occurs to me that they are the especial provision 
for the Thrush and Starling tribes during the period 
of greatest want. Throstles from September on¬ 
wards are greatly occupied in the consumption of 
large helices,—aspersa, nemoralis, hortensis, &.c. 
and Blackbirds and Missel Thrushes are also occu- 
