THE CREATOR AND HIS CREATURES 213 
acquainted with it, is now given on the same plan 
as that adopted for the land birds. Commenced 
in hope, and carried on with zeal, though ended 
in sorrow and sickness, I can look upon my work 
without much regard to the opinions which 
contemporary writers may form of it, assured that 
what is useful in it will not be forgotten, and 
knowing that already it has had a beneficial effect 
on many of the present, and will more powerfully 
influence the next, generation of our home- 
ornithologists. I had been led to think that I had 
occasionally been somewhat rude, or at least blunt, 
in my criticisms; but I do not perceive wherein 
I have much erred in that respect, and I feel no 
inclination to apologise. I have been honest and 
sincere in my endeavours to promote the truth. 
With death, apparently not distant, before my eyes, 
I am pleased to think that I have not countenanced 
error through fear or favour. Neither have I in 
any case modified my sentiments so as to 
endeavour thereby to conceal or palliate my faults. 
Though I might have accomplished more, I am 
thankful for having been permitted to add very 
considerably to the knowledge previously obtained 
of a very pleasant subject. If I have not very 
frequently indulged in reflections on the power, 
wisdom, and goodness of God, as suggested by 
even my imperfect understanding of His wonderful 
works, it is not because I have not ever been 
sensible of the relation between the Creator and 
His creatures, nor because my chief enjoyment, 
o 2 
