2 
BIRD-LIFE. 
discovered, but to be sought for in the external conditions 
of life. We will not, then, regard any one part of creation 
as more wonderful than another, but always remember 
that the endless diversity in the conditions of life has 
necessarily produced a corresponding variety in the vast 
number of animal forms. It is with this limitation of 
meaning that the expression, “the bird is a masterpiece, 
a marvel of creation,” is to be understood. 
Birds have much in common with mammals; and it is 
certain that some striking resemblances between indi¬ 
viduals of both classes cannot be denied. Every impartial 
observer must recognise in the Eagle the image of the 
lion, or rather its true representative in the bird-world ; 
in the Owl we see the cat; the Raven resembles the 
dog; the Vulture, the hyaena; the Hawk, the fox; 
the Parrot, the monkey; the Crossbill, the squirrel; 
the Wren, the mouse; the Butcher-bird, the weasel ; 
the Bustard, the stag or antelope; the Ostrich, the 
camel; the Cassowary, the llama ; the Dipper, the water- 
rat ; the Duck, the duck-billed platypus; the Diver, the 
otter; the Auk, the seal; and so on. In spite of all 
these resemblances, which, after all, only apply to the 
external aspect,* the bird is always and essentially 
distinct from mammals. 
I do not intend to enter upon a minute description of 
the bird’s body, though I cannot leave this subject with¬ 
out some exposition, if I would make myself clearly 
understood by those of my readers who have never had 
an opportunity of studying it with the scalpel and 
* It would appear to us that the author, in using the words “ external aspect,” 
has not given the true explanation of the resemblance existing between the above- 
mentioned birds and mammals, as in some cases the “ external aspect” is widely 
different, while the real resemblance lies in similarity of habits and character.— 
W. J. 
