PART III—HOME AND FUNCTIONS. 
CHAPTER I. 
GENERAL DISTRIBUTION. 
“ Ringsum unterm Himmelszelt, 
Das Entziicken ecller Jager, 
Nutzen bringend aller Welt 
Sind die sclionen Fliigeltrager. 
Todter Wiisten iider Graus 
Und des rauhsten Landes Bogen 
Wird von ihrer Schar dnrchflogen.” 
Welcker. 
Wherever that restless longing for the distant and 
the strange may lead ns, we are ever greeted and 
accompanied by the feathered throng. There is not a 
single spot upon our ever-moving globe, where life is 
possible, that is without these bright and happy crea¬ 
tures ; everywhere they find some suitable locality 
in which to take up their abode. The very sight of them 
brings vigour and joy to the heart, for it is only when we 
lose their company that we begin to feel that sensation 
of utter desolation and loneliness which the traveller 
experiences upon entering a region where all trace of 
animal life has apparently vanished; and for this reason, 
also, the eye, often unconsciously, seeks the airy forms 
of birds. Their lives help to invigorate our own. 
The untrammelled spirit seeks eagerly to burst the 
fetters which bind men to earth. With timid foot¬ 
steps man climbs the still regions of snow to obtain 
