fm.^'

•39

#iriiifttiiitoila.

PART THE FIRST.

BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS

FALCO CHRYSAETOS

OR,

GOLDEN-EAGLE.

OENITHOLOGIA,

«, —

THE BIRDS:

A POEM, IN TWO PARTS,
WITH AN

INTRODUCTION TO THEIR NATURAL HISTORY;

AND

COPIOUS NOTES ;
BY JAMES JENNINGS,

AUTIJOR OF

Observations on the Dialects of the West of England, &;c, Sjc,

"They whisper Truths in Reason's ear,
If human pride will stoop to hear."

Lord Erskine.

Quel bien manque a vos vceux interessants oiseaux ?
Vons poss^dez les airs, et la terrc, et les eaux ;
Sous la feuille tremblanteun zephyr vous eveilie;
Vos coulenrs charmeiit I'ceil, et vos accents I'oreille.

De Lille.

SECOND EDITION,

WITH ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS.

I LONDON:

I SHERWOOD, GILBERT, AND PIPER,

* 4 23, PATERNOSTER ROW.

h. 1829.

(5^

J. ANO C. AOLARD, FRINTERS,
BARTHOIOMEW CLOSE.

PRELIMINARY NOTICES.

The favourable reception of Ounithologia, especially hy
those who are judges of the science, has induced the author to
revise it, and to make such additions to it which the late rapid
progress q/' Ornithology has rendered necessary: those ad-
ditions will be found in the following Preliminary Notices;
to which, as the author has no wish to shrink from the closest
scrutiny into the merits of his tvork, he has appended a few
Explanatory Observations on some objections that have
been, either carelessly, ignorantly, or wantonly , made to it:
with a liberal and discerning public he has no doubt of the
result.

Since the appearance of Ornithologia, in 1827, the
the public attention has been more than ordinarily excited
to Animal Natural History. The Zoological Society is men-
tioned in page 94. Its collection of living animals in the
Regenfs Park is now, under suitable regulation, open to the
jmhiic at a very trifling expense, namely, one shilling each
person. The crowds that daily visit the Gardens are almost
innumerable. They are, at once, a fashionable, an agreeable,
an amusing, and instructive lounge j and far exceed, in
exciting interest, any thing which could have been pre-
viously anticipated concerning such an establishment.
The members of the Society exceed, at the present time,
(September 1829,) 1300. TheMusenm in Bruton Street con-

n Q

PRELIMINARY NOTICES.

tains 600 specimens oi Mammalia ; 400 specimens oi Birds;
1000 o( Reptiles and Fishes ; 1000 ol' Tistacea and Crustacea;
and 30,000 Insects. The Gardens were opened to the pub-
lic in Jnne 1828, and with the Museum, from that period,
in one year, had been visited by 112,226 persons. In the
Gardens are between five and six hundred living Quadru-
peds and Birds. Amonj^ the curious birds are the follow-
ing: Curassows, the Guan^ the Crowned Crane, Black and
White Storks, Spoonbills, Herons and Bitterns, Parrots,
Pelicans, Emus, an Ostrich, the Gannet, the Shag ; various
species of the Duck tribe ; Tame, Wild, and Black Swans ;
various species of the Goose tribe; Gulls ; many varieties
of Pigeons and Domestic Fowls; the Condor; the Griffon
Vulture ; various Eagles ; curious Owls ; numerous species
of the Falcon tribe; Pheasants; Partridges ; and many
singing Birds, &c. See the Guide to the Zoological Gardens,
drawn up by N. A. Vigoks and W. J. Broderip, Esqrs.

It may be also useful to state, that, although this Society
vvei^ reluctantly compelled to postpone the attempt to
become more directly and practically useful, by experi-
nienls in the breeding and domestication of animals, yet
that they are, now, about to direct their attention to those
important objects. The Regent's Park not being calculated
for the purpose, they have engaged a farm, with suitable
offices, &c. of about thirty-three acre* of land, in a beautiful
situation under the wall of Richmond Park, nine miles
from Hyde Park Corner. Here it is intended that their
experiments for breeding and domesticating animals are to
be made. The animals are to include not only Quadra-
peds and Birdsy but also Fish,

Besides the work of Wilson on the Birds of America,
noticed in page 90, one now in course of publication, in this
country, by Mr. Audubon, consisting of Drawings of the

PRELIMINARY NOTICES.

same size as the Birds, must here be mentioned, [t is enti-
tled Birds of America, from Drawings tnade during a resi-
dence of twenty 'five years in the United States and its Terri-
tories. TV^t wMwi6e/'5 have already appeared. The Plates
wxc three feet three inches long, by two feet two inches wide:
" a size," says Mr. Svvainson, in his notice of the work, in
the Magazine of Natural Historyt " which exceeds any
thing of the kind I have ever seen or heard of; on this vast
surface, every bird is represented in its full dimensions ;"
the whole are also correctly coloured, according to nature.

In allusion to two ornithological narratives by Mr.
Audubon, printed in one of the Scotch Journals, Mr.
Svvainson says, " There is a freshness and originality about
these Essays which can only be compared to the animated
biographies of Wilson. Both these men contemplated
Nature as she really is, not as she is represented in books.
The observations of such men are the corner-stones of every
attempt to discover the natural system. Their writings will be
corisulted when our favourite theories shall have passed into
oblivion. Ardently, therefore, do I hope that Mr. Audubon
will alternately become the h.istorian, and the painter, of his
favourite objects ; that he will never be made a convert to
any system, but instruct and delight us, as a true and un-
prejudiced biographer of Nature. The largeness of the
paper has enabled Mr. Audubon to group his figures, in the
most beautiful and varied attitudes, on the trees or plants
which they frequent. Some are feeding, others darting,
pursuing or capturing their prey ; all have life and anima-
tion ; the plants, fruits, and flowers, which enrich the spetie,
are alone still."

There has been, as yet, no letter-press description pub-
lished of Mr. Audubon's Drawings; but it is designed that
every bird shall be suitably described; the number of which

PIlELi:\IINARY NOTICES.

delineated hy him, is, we understand, between four and
five hundred; and he, being, it is said, a nnt\\c oi Louisiaiiaf
will, we doubt not, supply much original information relative
to the birds of the southern regions of North America.

It appears, by a Catalogue of the Birds of the United
States, published in an American work, by Prince Charles
Bonaparte, that they consst of 28 families, 81 genera, and
362 species: 209 land, and 153 water birds. Of these 81
genera, C3 are comtnon to Europe and America, while 18
have no representatives in Europe. Arranging all the
known birds in 37 natural families, 28 of these are found
in America; and of these 28, two are not found in Europe.

The Magazine of Natural Histori/t^^as begun last year, and,
under the able superintendence of Mr. Loudon, is diffusing
its utilities around. While it preserves a scientific character
it, at the same time, renders the study of Natural Historyy
whether animal, vegetable, or mineral, easy to the plainest
capacity. Among its advantages are the accentvation and
explanation of the scientific terms ; compendia of the various
scientific departments ; much new and explanatory desiderata ;
and original communications from various able naturalists.
There is another point, too, for which the intelligent Editor
deserves great credit; namely, that of permiting authors
and others who have been misquoted or misrepresented,
to explain themselves in their own words and in their own
way. See a Letter by the Author of Ornithologia, below.

As connected with Ornithology, it ought also to be stated
that the Linnean Society has lately enriched its collection
with the Collections and Library of LiNN/EUS, and those of
its late President Sir J. E. Smith ; so that nearly all the
materials which that great naturalist employed are now in
this country. The Society gave for these treasures 3000
iruincas.

PRELIMINARY NOTICES.

Enough has, perhaps, been said concerning the quinary
ttrrangement of Birds proposed by Mr. Vigors, in ihe Intro-
duction, see page 41; but as Mr. Macleay, the original
propounder of the system, has given us a learned and valu-
able paper, in the sixteenth volume of the Linnean Trans-
actions, relative to the analogies existing between Birds
and the Mammalia, it may be useful to observe that he has
proposed the following comparative Table:

MAMMALIA. AYES.

1 Ferce Carnivorous 1 Raptor es»

2 Primates Omnivorous 2 Insessores.

3 Glires Frugivorous 3 Rasores.

4 Ungulata \ Frequenting the l ^ Gral/atores,

^ \ vicuiily of water, S

5 Cetacea Aquatic 5 Nalatores.

Corrections and Additions to Ornitliologia.

Colymbus minor, or Didapper, page 11. This is a mistake;
it is the Fulica chloropus, or Moor-Hen.

TurdusmusicuSf or Song-Thrush, page 18. In regard to the
firucture of the nest of this bird, see forwards in the Letter to
the Editor of the Magazine of Natural History.

Hirundo escalenta, or esculent Swallow, page 23. The
Chinese carry on a large trade in these birds' nests. It is said
that tlie quantity annually sent from Java to China is 242,000
lbs. the export value of which is estimated at £284,000. What
there can be in these superior to the gelatine to be obtained
from innumerable animal substances the luxurious Asiatics can
best explain.

Sleep of Birds, page 57. Ducks will also sleep while doating
on the water; and, most probably, many other of the natatoria
tribe; hence the facility of their moving from one region of the
earth to another.

Incubation of Birds, page 60. Mr. Sweet, Mug, Nat. Hist.

PRELIMINARY X0T1CE3.

vol. ii, page 113, states some curious facts relative to birds for-
saking their nests. He says tliat " the redbreast, wren, black-
bird, song-thrush, missel-thrush, and, he thinks, almost every other
bird, will forsake their first nest for the season, if frightened
out of it once or twice, and will immediately begin to build
another ; but they will not forsake theirnest while laying, handle
the eggs as much as you please, or change them one for the
other; or even if you take one out every day, the same hen will
return, and lay, in the empty nest. A redbreast will sit on any
egg sub^tituted for its own, even a blackbird's or thrush's, and
will breed up the young ones; a hedge-sparrow will do the
same ; and, most probably, any soft-billed bird. Later in the
season, after a bird has made one or two nests, it will not for-
sake its nest when sitting, drive it out as often as you please ;
some will even suffer themselves to be taken out and put back
again without leaving the nest."

In regard to the Goldfinch^ when it breeds in gardens, I can
say that it builds sometimes a few feet only from the ground,
in an espalier, for instance; and pass to it as close as you please
during incubation, it usually remains iu the nest. The greatest
enemies of birds that build in such places are cats.

Birds of London, page 7.5, et seq. The Corvus monedula, or
Jack-Daw frequents some of the church towers of London,
particidarly St. Michael's, Cornhill; and itis said that the Fa' co
tinnunculus, or common Hawk, builds in some of the more ele-
vated parts of St. Paul's Cathedral.

I heard the Song-Thrush, Turdus musicuSj singing on one
of the trees in Berkeley Square, March 22, 1828. I am quite
certain of this fact, as I took care to see the bird.

Mr. Britton informs me that, iu the winter. Tomtits, Funis
cffru/eu5, frequent his garden in Burton Street, Burton Crescent,
to the number of four or six at a time : the Chaffinch, Fiin-
gilla ccelebs, has also b^en ol>served in the same garden : and
last summer, 1828, the Whiteturo xt, Motacilla sijlviu, poured
its pleasing song in the samp place. It is scarcely necessary to

PUELIMINARY NOTICES.

add that Pheasants and Partridges are to be seen in the
Regent's Park, because these were, it is presumed, brought
there by those having command in that region, and which, there-
fore, can hardly be considered as the natural, voluntary domi-
cile of those birds. The Nightingale is also occasionally to
be heard in the same park. And Starlings now, I observe,
build very commonly in or about some of the capitals of the
Corinthian columns at Sussex Place.

It may be staled also, in addition to what is said in page 77,
concerning the Martin, Hivundo urbica, that I observed, Aug.
10, 1829, several of those birds actively on the wing, over, and
around the Southwark bridge, where they were evidently
collecting their food.

It is stated in the Mag. of Nat. Hist, that the Gardens about
London, are much more injured by insects than those in distant
parts of the country ; and it is conjectured that this is owing to
the number of birds which are taken by the bird-catchers and
also by the cats. Although this statement is in favour of the
necessity of Humanity to Animals for our own well-being, yet
I cannot confirm it by any knowledge of my own.

The Falco Harpijia, or Crested Eagle, pagel04,is sometimes
called Harpy. It is one of the most powerful of the Eagle
tribe; a fine specimen of this bird is in the Horticultural Socie-
ty's Gardens ; by this time, we hope,'in the Zoological Gardens.

Falco Washingtoniana, or Great American Sea-Eagle.

We are indebted to Mr. Audubon for a description of this
large, rare, and rapacious bird, in the Mag. of Nat. Hist. vol. i.
p 115. This Eagle is much larger than our Golden Eagle. The
male weighs 14]^ lbs. and is three feet seven inches long, by ten
feet two inches in extent. The female is, of course, larger. The
upper part of the head, neck, back, scapulars, rump, tail-coverts,
femorals, and tail feathers, are a dark coppery brown; the
throat, front of the neck, breast, and belly, a rich bright cinna-
mon, all the feathers of which are dashed along the centre with

ad

PRELIMINARY NOTICES.

the brown of the back. Primaries brown, secondaries between
the last-named colour and rusty iron-grey, of which colour are the
lesser coverts. Legs and feet strong, and of a dirty yellow. Bill
three and a half inches long, bluish black, turning into yellow to-
wards the mouth which is blue, and surrounded with a thick yel-
low skin. Found, though rarely, in the back settlements of Nortii
America. The knowledge evinced by these birds, and the care
of their young, are deserving notice. " In a few minutes," says
Mr. Audubon, " the other parent joined her mate, which, from
tl.e difference in size, we knew to be the mother bird. She had
brought a fish, but, more cautious than her mate,ere she alighted,
she glanced her quick and piercing eye around, and perceived
that her nest had been discovered ; she dropped her prey, with
a loud shriek commuuicated the alarm to the male, and, hover-
ing with him over our heads, kept up a growling threateniug cry,
to intimidate us from our design. The young having hid them-
selves, we picked up the fi>h, a white perch, which the mother
had let fall ; it weighed o^ lbs. the upper part of the head was
broken in, and the back torn by ti»e talons of the Eagle." Mr.
Audubon could not, however, obtain either of these birds, nor
one of their young. The specimen which he describes was
obtained by him on another occasion.

Cilumha migriUoria, or Passenger Pigeon, page 120. Every
account from travellers confirms the immense numbers of these
birds in the back settlements of North America. An incalcu-
lable quantity were seen pas!:ing over, the village of Rodiester^
{Genesee Coiinttjy N./l.) on the I3ih of December, 1828, from
the North. Such an unusual migration, at such a season of the
year, excited great attention ; and, what was very remarkable,
those of tliem which were taken were ve>yfat. Whence could
they have come; from some noriJtem sitmmer ?

Another account, from the Siisquehannuh County Register, far
Mmj 1829, states that an encampment of these birds was about
ten miles from Montrose, N.A.; where they built nests and
reared their young : this encampment was upwards of nine miles

PRELIMINARY NOTICES.

in length and four in breadth, the lines regular and straight,
within which there was scarcely a tree, large or small, that was
not covered with nests. They caused such a constant roaring,
by the flapping of their wings, that persons*, on going into the
encampment, had great difficulty in hearing each other speak.
Every thing throughout the camp appeared to be conducted in
the most perfect order. They take their turns regularly in feeding
their young; and when any of them are killed upon their nests
by the sportsmen, others immediately supply their places. The
editor of the paper mentioned observes, " we incline to believe
that they have in part adopted Mr. Owen's community system, as
the whole appears to be a common stock business. The squabs,
(yonng pigeons,) are now sufficiently large to be considered by
epicures better for a rich dish than the old ones ; they are caught
and carried off by waggon loads."

It appears, by the latest accounts, that the statement that this
pigeon lays only one egg for a brood is incorrect. It often Jays
two eggs for the same sitting ; and it also breeds nearly as often
as our domestic pigeon, seven or eight times a year. In twenty-
three days from the laying of the eggs the young can fly ; in eight
days after being hatched they fly from the nest. New York Med,
and Phys. Journal.

Cyg-nus/erMS, or Wild Swan, page 125. The chief specific
difference between this and the Tame Swan, consists in the
structure of the trachea or windpipe, which, in this species*
enters into the sternum, or breast-bone, forms a circumvolution
within it, and, returning out again, enters in the usual manner
into the lungs. In the tame Swan there is nothing unusual in
the progress of the trachea into the lungs. Like the tame Swan
this species may be bred in confinement. Lord Egremont has
reared it at Petworth; the pair now in the Zoological
Gardens came from his lordship's menagerie. Guide to the
Gardens.

Cygnus atrata or Anas atrata, page 125. The Black Swan
is bred with ease in England. Tlie trachea of this bird is singu-

PRELIMINARY NOTICES.

iar, being exactly intermediate in character between those of
the wild and the fame Swan: it has the convolution of that of the
wild species, but it does not enter the breast-bone.

Phasianus galluSy or Common Cock and Hen, page 146.
The Dorking Fowl is distinguished by having Jive claws on
each foot.

It appears from Crawford's Emhassy to Siam and Cochin-China,
that, in the forests through which the embassy passed, they
observed several flocks of wild poultry. One of these, not far
from a vilFage, appeared so little shy that, at first, it was ima-
gined they were domestic fowls: this account confirms the
statement of naturalists that the cock and lien came originally
from Asia.

Scnlopax gallinagOf or CoMTfl ON Snipe, page 161. This bird
is called in some of the province!^, chiefly, it is presumed, Sxjot-
land, Heather Hleater, from the male making a noise during the
breeding season like the bleating of a goat.

" The cuckoo and the gowk,
The lavrock and the lark,
The heather-bleat, the muire-snipe.
How many birds is that ?''

3Iag. Nat. Hist.

Answer, Three only.

Scolopax arquata, or Curlew, page I6S. The young of this
bird are called in Somersetshire, Checkers.

Slurniis Vulgaris, or Sterling, page 168. Although I have
never met with the nisi of this bird in Somersetshire, the bird
itself is not uncommon there in the winter. See before, in these
notices, Birds of London.

Loxia coccothrausies, or Hawfinch, page 175. A nest of
this bird was found, May 1828, on the bough of an apple tree,
at Clielsfield, Kent, and of no very curious construction} eggs

PRELIMINARY NOTICES.

five, size of a skylark's, of a dull greenish grey, streaked and
spotted with bluish ash, olive brown, or blackish brown. Mag,
Nat. Hist.

The Tringavanellus, or Lapvting, page 183, is found in many
of our English marshes and moors. Shakesp^re, in Hamlet^ act v.
scene ii. has the following line :

•'This lapwing runs away with the shell upon his head/'

See page 222. Some of the learned commentators on Shakes-
peare, Dr. Johnson among tliem, have made strange havoc with
this passage; the plain truth, I presume, is, they knew nothing
of the fact in natural history, that, occasionally, young birds of
the rasoTy the wafa/or, and wading tribes, do run away as soon as
they are hatched, with the shell upon their heads ; hence Osrick,
to which the above line is applied in Shakespeare, is called a
lapwingf not being properly informed concerning the business
on which he was sent, in other words, was an ignorant young
bird.

The Great American Bittern (see page 200) is said to
have the power of emitting light fronj its breast equal to that
of a common torch, which illuminates the water so as to enable
it to discover its prey. Mag. of Nat. Hist. vol. ii. page 64. It
is also suspected that other birds of the ardea genus in this
country have similar properties ; yet we are not aware that any
one has observed them : the breast of the common heron,
ardea major, has a space void of feathers, but covered by a tuft
of down, the use of which is not at present known ; is it for the
purpose of emitting light? See Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. ii. p. 206.

Blergus serrator, or Red-breasted Merganser, page 210.
A wf5<of this bird was found by Mr. Selby and Sir W. Jardine
upon an island in Loch Awe, in Argyleshire, in June 1828 ; it
was made of moss mixed with the down of the bird ; in struc-
ture and materials it resembled that of the eider duck; it con-
tained nine eggs of a rich reddish brown colour, 3Jag,Nat. Hist.
1

PRELIMINARY NOTICES.

Parus biurmicuSf or Bearded Titmouse, page 220, is called
in Kent, the Reed Pheasant.

FringVla carduelis, or Goldfinch, page 251. It is said, by
Mr. Murray, that when this bird is fed exclusively on hemp-
seed, the red and yellow colours of the plumage become black.
Mag. Nat. Hist. My own observations do not confirm this } it
is, I suspect, an occasional effect only of such food.

Fringilla ccclebs, or Chaffinch, page 252, is sometimes called
Whitefinch.

Turdus torquatus, or Ring Ouzel, page 259, is seen occa-
sionally on the Quantock hills in Somersetshire.

Tardus iliacuSf or Redwing, page 260. A friend J. N. C.
Esq. of Trowbridge, on whose report I can rely, informs me
that this bird occasionally sings in this country before its depar-
ture ill the spring. The Redwing's song will be found in the
Pleasures of Ornithology, page 46.

The Sylvia atricapilla, or Blackcap, page '^79, sings some-
times while sitting upon the eggs. See forwards in these preli-
minary notices.

Fringilla domestica, or House Sparrow, page 280. Many
nests of this bird were to be seen on the young elms in the
Regent's Park, in November 1827. And in the ivy whichcovers
the front of a house near Spring Gardens, and which looks into
St. James's Park, a colony of the same birds are now domiciled.
August 1829.

Page 28T. The account of the death of so many Geese from
plucking them was copied by the Hera'd from the Taunton
Courier, a paper distinguished for the superior mental talent
with which it is conducted by its proprietor Mr. Marriot,

Vultur gryphus, or Condor, page 306, 313. A living speci-
men of this bir<l is now in the Zoological Gardens ; it is neither
so large nor so formidable as it has been conimonly represented.
We are not informed, in the Guide to the Gardens, what the age
of the specimen is ; it is, we suspect, a young bird. But we
still want a record of more facts- concerning it. The gentlemen,

PRELIMINARY NOTICES.

Messrs. Vigors and Broderip, who drew up the Guide to the
Gardens, state that " although the bill, body, and wings of this
bird exhibit great strength, the legs and claws are, compara-
tively speaking, feeble. No Vulture has talons formed for
seizure ; the birds of this group feed upon carrion and not, like
the other raptorial birds, on living prey. Our condor is cer-
tainly not the Roc of our old friend Sinbad." [Arabian Nights.]
They add, the feats which have been related of the condor may
with more apparent justice, be attributed to some of the eagle
tribe, whose bodily strength is equal to that of tlie vultures,
whose talons are adapted to seizure, and who feed on living
animals. The Harpy exhibits much greater strength of limb
than the bird before us. See a preceding notice and also
page 104-

Muscicapa atricapilla, or Pied Fly Catcher, page 370,
breeds in the woods near Ullswater ; but it is suspected to be,
nevertheless, a migratory bird, it not being seen in Lancashire
before April nor later than September. It is also, according to
the same authority, (Mr. Blackwai.l, in Mag, Nat. Hist.) a
bird of some song, the notes of the male, which are sometimes,
though rarely, delivered on the wing, being pleasing and varied.

The Didus, or Dino, of which three species are described in
page 383, is now, in all probability, extinct: for although no
doubt is entertained that this tribe has existed, and on the
islands mentioned in the text, yet, by the latest researches, no
living specimens of it can be found in any of the Islands named;
nor has it been discovered any where else. See the Zoological
Journal.

The Tanager^s Si.ng^ page 409, set to music by Mr. Jacob,
has been published by Mr. Power, of the Strand.

I avail myself of the corner of a page, to say that Mr.
YARRELLlaid a valuable paper oM^/te Trachea of Birds , a short
time since, before the Linnean Society, and which will, no doubt,
in due time, appear in that Society's Transactions.

PRELIMINARY NOTICES.

To the Editor of the Magazine of Natural History.

SIR,

There are a few points to M'hich I desire to reply irr the
notice of Ornithologia, in the Magazine of Natural History,
\ol. i. page 341.

First, I wish to observe that " the chief of my knovvletlgc
of the natural history of birds bas been obtained by a long
residence in Somersetshire, at Huntspill, of which place I
am a native ;" that the observations which I have made on
the Song Thrush (tardus musicus) are particularly appli-
cable to facts with which I have there become acquainted.
I have stated also that " we must not be in haste to con-
demn what we have not ourselves witnessed ;" throughout
my work I hope I have been constantly impressed with this
sentiment.

Nest of the Thrush.

Now, although I am not prepared to deny that, some-
times and in some places, the nest of the song-thrush might
be plastered with cow-dung, yet I do strongly suspect that
no clay enters, even as a cement, into the composition of the
plaster; and I am led to this conclusion chiefly from the
lightness of the nest. The Blackhird^s nest {Turdus 7nerula)
is, I am well aware, plastered with claij, over which is laid
dry grass or some such material ; and it is, in consequence
of having clay in its composition, much heavier than the
thrush's nest. That I have never seen a nest of the thrush
in Somersetshire lined with cow-dung, I think I may confi-
dently assert. The lining of the thrush's nest, there, at least,
I have always found of a very light buff colour ; and that it
consists chiefly of rotten wood, I am equally well assured,

PRELIMINARY NOTICES.

as, piecps of this niuterial, and those sometimes tolerably
large, are frequently apparent in it.* As to the

Singing of the Thrush while sitting on the Eggs,

I admit that it might possibly be a solitary fact, although
I think otherwise ; but it is one of which, however, I can
entertain no doubt, as it was heard not only by myself but
by other branches of my family, the sweetness of the song
having excited our particular attention ; and what makes
the fact still more memorable is that the nest was a short
distance from my father's house, and we afterwards took
the young, one of which we raised and kept for some years
in a cage, where it sang delightfully.

* As it is now known that some of the Swallow tribe, see
pages 158 and 159, have glands which secrete an adhesive gum
or glue with whicli their nests are, in part, constructed, why may
there not be such glands for a similar purpose in many other
birds? in the thrush, in particular, I am disposed to think there
are, and recommend this subject to our anatomical ornithologists.
I have neither leisure nor opportunit) for such inquiry or I would
gladly undertake it.

Nest of the Magpie.
From what the Reviewer says {Mag. of Nat. Ui'^t. vol. i. page
345) an uninformed person would conclude that the inside sur-
face of the magpie's nest is clay; now, it ought to be known that,
although the magpie does certainly plaster the interior part of the
nest witliclay; yet over the clay is invariably laid, according to
/«// experience, a pretty extensive one, some dried gras<, or other
soft material. I ought certainly to have mentioned this in my
description of the magpie's nest, in page 19 ; but it too often
happens that what we well know ourselves we presume other
persons must also know.

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On the Cuckoo.

In regard to the cuckoo not being a climbing bird, whicli
your Reviewer, in a note, decidedl)' affirms, (an affirmation
without any evidence, to which one scarcely knows how to
reply,) I can only say that as few, if any, persons have seen
this singular bird climbing trees f *r its food, we can only
reason from the few facts which we possess concerning it.
It is, we know, furnished with scansorial feet, and I have
never seen it collect its food on the ground ; indeed, except
in its flight, have rarely seen it any where else but on trees,
not often, if ever, on bushes or near the ground. The
cuckoo kept in a cage, as mentioned in Ornilhologia, page
142, did occasionally pick up its food, but this it always did
while it was on the perch ; if an earthworm happened to
fall from its beak it never descended to the bottom of the
cage to pick it up. I think it therefore quite fair to con-
clude that it does climb about the trees which it frequents,
and possibly obtains its food from them. Mr. Yarrell,
than whom perhaps a more accurate and intelligent observer
never existed, has dissected many cuckoos, and he says that
the stomach is similar in structure to the woodpecker's, and
therefore fitted for the digestion of animal food only ; that
the contents of the stomach invariably indicate the presence
of such food, namely, the larv(B of some insects. Surely
these facts warrant us in placing this bird among the
scansors.

The public papers informed us, last summer, 1828, of some
one near Worthing having been fortunate enough to pre-
serve a cuckoo through the winter ; if this notice should
meet the eye of the possessor of the bird, a communication

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of any facts concerning it through this Magazine will be
greatly esteemed.*

On the Terms used in Natural History.

The Reviewer mistakes in supposing that 1 might be led
away by auy authority whatever, independently of facts.
1 incline to think that scientific naturalists, those, I mean,
who think more of terms than o{ facts, will be rather dis-
posed to find fault w ith me for an opposite line of conduct :
for placing terms in the back and facts in the fore ground ;
for setting too little value upon systems of any kinds. But,
while I frankly admit, that I think our system-builders have
pushed, in many instances, their generalization too far,
it behoved me, nevertheless, as a faithful natural historian,
to lay before the reader, Ornithology, in science and in
fact as it is, rather than what I could wish it to be. As to
the introduction of the terms cuculid scansur, and a few
others, every one will, I hope, perceive that this has been
done to show how the scientific terras may be anglicised

* I have just been informed by a gentleman of my acquaint-
ance that some years since he knew of a cuckoo having been
krpt in a cage, after being hatched in this country, till the
beginning of February in the next year: it was kept, of course,
in a warm room, and fed on raw flesh ; hut, by omitting one
frosty nii;ht to keep the room warm, it died.

The following is the notice alluded to above :

A person named Moore, residing at Goring near Worthing,
has in his possession a cuckoo which was taken from the nest
last year; and has been kept in a healthy state in a cage since
that period. During the present season " it has poured forth its
well-known call, and is a rare and perhaps a solitary instance
of a cuckoo surviving in this country after the usual period at
which these birds migrate, which is seldom later than Augtwt.
Sussex Advertiser; Morning Herald, June 12, 1828.

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and used ; and sure I am that, if tliey cannot be anglicised,
the inlioduction of tliem, and tJie multiplication of new
terras in a learned language^ how much soever they may
please the pedant, must very materially obstruct the pro-
gress of science; learned terms may, and perhaps always
will, ple.ise a few, but, by the generality of persons, their
introduction will be disapproved, and their acquisition will
be felt and deemed a wearisome pursuit. Things amil facts,
not words, are now and, in the acquisition of all knowledge,
ought ever to have been the order of the day.

On the Songs of Birds in the Torrid Zone.

The Reviewer wonders, seeing I am acquainted with
Wilson's American Ornithology, that I am disposed to echo
the opinion that birds of song are scarce in the western
world. I am not aware that I have in any part of my work
stated such an opinion. I have said, " It is perhaps true
that the birds of warm climates do not equal those of the
temperate ones in the sweetness and the richness of their
notes j" and I have also said that, " From the abundance
of many of the Pica tribe, such as parrots, and some others
of harsh note, it is probable that their sounds in the tropical
woods overpower and confound the more soft and sweet
modulations of the warbler tribes; and hence the opinion
has obtained credit that the tropical regions are dcticient in
birds of song." But how this can be interpreted into tlie
opinion given to me, I really cannot divine : when, more-
over, I reflect that Wilson must have been most conver-
sant with the birds of the temperate climates of the United
States, how what 1 have said can be applied to the birds
which he has described does indeed surprise me*.

* The whole number of birds described by Wilson, be it
remembered, is only 278.

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To write a book that should please every body would not
only be hopeless but impossible; that various opinions
should be entertained concerning Ornithologia, is what I
ought naturally to expect. The value of such a work cannot
be immediately known ; but I feel assured that the more it
is examined, the more will its statements be found to cor-
respond with actual facts in natural history.*^ I shall,
nevertheless, feel grateful to every one who will take the
trouble to look into it; and should he find any error in it,
none will be more ready to acknowledge and to correct it
than myself.

Aware of the necessity of being careful in a selection of
facts in Natural History, I am persuaded that no one can
accuse me, justly, of hastily rejecting or of heedlessly adopt-
ing whatever may be presented to my notice; but, as the
evidence of my own senses is, to me, the best of all evidenct;,
I have, as it became me to do, laid no inconsiderable stress
upon that in the composition of my work ; and hence, some-
times, my observations are very diflFerent from those made
by persons who have preceded me in the same path.

London ; Nov. 15, 1827. Jas. Jennings.

Froiu the Mag. Nat. History ^ vol. ii. p. 111.

To the above Letter I wish to add, that the Reviewer of
Ornithologia, in the Magazine of Natural History, has, in a
note to my observation, page 285, stating that '* the Gold-

* I might add, in defiance of the nibbling and the cavils of
reviewers, that I challenge the whole of our English literature
to produce a work of Jive hundred pages in duodecimo, which con-
tains such a mass of information on the Natural History of Birds:
as I have said, in my letter to Mr. Campbell, '< the volume
contains the labour of three years, and the accumulation of a life
of observation.^*

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fiiicli feeds in winter principall} on thistle seed," objected
to this statement, because, he says, " the only thistle seed
which he can procure in winter must be unproductive, all
the fertile seeds being scattered by the winds during the
autumn." Really this point blank contradiction is too bad
even for an anonymous rcvievver. Had I not been well
aware of this habit of the Goldfinch, I should not have stated
it. Lest, however, any one should be still disposed to ques-
tion it, I say, once for all, that the seed of the Common
Thistle, serratula arvensis, is not, in Somersetshire, usually
dissipated by the winds in autumn ; and that 1 have seen
a hundred goldfinches at a time feeding upon its seed in
the winter season. And, notwithstanding the seeds of the
Bull Thistle, carduus lanceolatuSy are more readily dissi-
pated by the wind, these seeds do also occasionally furnish
food in the winter to those birds. But there is, in fact, no
end to objections and objectors of this sort. Some years
since, happening to enter into conversation with a farmer,
a very knowing one, too, in his way, I mentioned that the
world was a globe, and that persons had sailed round it ;
the only answer he made was, " / dont believe i/." If a
reviewer be pleased to dispute a fact of which he does
not himself happen to be cognisant, although stated by
respectable authority, argument with him must be thrown
away. The Inquisitors imprisoned Galileo ; but he still
contended the eai'th moved for all that. I acquit, however,
the respectable Editor of the Magazine of Natural History,
from having any hand in that review, being convinced that
it was got up by another person, and most probably while
he (Mr. Loudon) was out of the kingdom.

By a singular coincidence, Mr. Sweet, in the same number
of theMflT^. of Nat. Hist, in which the above letter appears,
(March 1829,) and whose account of the songs, &c. of his

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warblers is given in page 72 et seq. of Ornithologia, says,
" I certainly have never heard a thrush sing when sitting,
perhaps for want of attending to it; but have frequently
heard and seen the male blackcap sing while sitting on the
eggs, and have found its nest by it more than once ; the
male of this species sits nearly as much as the female."
Thus confirming the statement that somebirds do occasionally
sing while sitting on the eggs; and thus demolishing the
theory of the Hon. Daines Barrington.

It is, we must admit, somewhat temerarious to contro-
vert the statement of such respectable writers as Mr. Bar-
rington, to whom naturalists have so long deferred ; but if
we always take care to be supported by fact and not fancy ^
we need not doubt the result ; in the mean time we may
expect to be assailed by those who, relying on such respecta-
ble authority, or their own confined vision, are unwilling to
admit more than they have dreamt of in their philosophy.
On this subject I must add one other remark : if that
respectable naturalist were now alive, and felt that interest
in the science which a genuine natural historian ought to
feel, he would rejoice in having any of his statements cor-
rected, explained, or even disproved, if untrue: the ever-
lasting fountains of truth and nature will continue to flow,
and cannot be turned aside to gratify the vanity or self-suf-
ficiency of any one,

Hypercriticism,
He who writes and publishes a book has not unfre-
quently the misfortune of being pelted at by wags and other
mischievous persons, who are ever on the alert to observe
something wherewith to excite laughter in themselves and
others, totally regardless of the feelings of the author, or of
the truth and knowledge contained in his book. More espe-
cially will this be the case should the author be so unfor-

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tunate as to step out of the via trita, tlie beaten way, in the
prosecution of his design. For many and important reasons
the author of Ornithologia has thus done. It was not, there-
fore, to be expected that a work which, among other novel-
ties, lays the axe to the very root of long cherished amuse-
ments and inhumanities, sanctioned too by innumerable
authorities, poetical and prosaic, plebeian and patrician,
could escape some vituperation. Talk of giving up hunting,
shooting, and fishing, too, with Sir Humphry Davy's Sal-
motiia, and Isaac Walton to boot ! God help the man, he
must have taken leave of his senses!!! No, gentle reader,
the author does not think that he has yet taken leave of his
senses, but he fears that our hunters, our shooters, and our
fishers for sport, have long left theirs, or so much would
not have been said and written in favour of such silly, inhu-
man, and, for the most part, unprofitable pursuits.

fn regard to the Critics, however, let him not be mis-
understood: the most intelligent of that formidable body
have borne ample testimony to the value and importance
of his work, as the subsequent notices will testify ; others,
a few only, whom there is here no occasion to name, have
poured out their vials of vituperation, chiefly, it appears to
him, because they neither understand nor like the science of
ornithology itself; and, also, because they have totally
misapprehended the object of the author in combining
science with/ami/iar poetry.

Some of these gentlemen Critics, who appear to know
as much of the science of ornithology as an inhabitant of the
}>olar regions of North America, have thought proper to
abuse the author for the introduction of wcm; terms, although,
in the preface to Ornithologiaj he has not said much in favor
of such terms; and has, besides, studiously avoided the intro-
duction of many of them into the poetical parts of his work,

PRELIMINARY NOTICES.

forgetting that it is, most probably, their own ignorance, and
not theterms,which is in fault. Besides, although the author
has, it is true, anglicised many of those neio terms, the merit
of their introduction mnst not be ascribed to him. He found
them, if not in current use, proposed at least by learned and
respectable ornithologists, and it became his duty to notice
them. The only new term which the author of Ornithologia
has introduced is dtrinel for the yellow-hammer ; his rea-
son for doing this is assigned in page 226: even this term
can hardly be called newy being anglicised from citrinella.

The author laments, as much as any one can possibly do,
that numerous terms, and to those unacquainted with the
science, ?ie?« they must be, present themselves to us in books
treating of ornithology : he laments also the almost infinite
variety of names, both scientific as well as trivial, which
are applied to birds by different naturalists: he complains,
likewise, of the heedlessness and, in some instances, wan-
tonness, with which terms have been introduced ; thus
rendering the study of ornithology at once perplexing
and repulsive. But, how much soever he may lament all
this, it was his duty, nevertheless, as an historian of the
science, to exhibit it as it is, despairing as he does of ever
seeing it, at least in its nomenclature, what he could wish
it to be.

The author is old enough to remember the first intro-
duction of the present Chemical Nomenclature, and those
who remember it as he does, can tell how it was opposed
and derided ; yet it has steadily made its way : he who
should now, for a moment, contend that Glauber's salts was
a better term than sulphate of soda, for the same substance,
would assuredly be dignified with a fool's cap. Although it
i^ not certain that, fifty years hence, syhia luscinia will b<
preferred to the nightingale, yet, as a more correct know-

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ledge of natural history shall generally prevail, names
which designate the genus and the species, or groups and
families, in the most explicit manner; will, in all probahi-
lity, become more common; and thus supersede the abun-
dance of synonyms, for the same animal or plant, in the
various languages of the intelligent and civilized world.

In the nomenclature of chemistry care was, however,
taken to denominate substances from the ingredients of
which they are composed, or from some of their sensible
qualities, a few only, such as water, being excepted from
the rule. Unfortunately the same care has not been taken
in natural history : for, too often, the name of the discoverer
of a bird is applied to it as a specific term, instead of having
given to it that which shall inform us concerning its pecu-
liar shape, colour, or other qualities. This misapplied
nomenclature has been noticed in page 399: and, as it
appears to be gaining ground in ornithology, it cannot on
this account be too strongly deprecated. Even the specific
name of p/«C(9, much less of /^er^on, is not, in natural history,
sufficiently discriminative, and should be avoided.

Some of the critics complain, also, of the harshness and
unmusical nature of the new terms, forgetting that it is,
most probably, their own ignorance, as has been before
hinted, certainly not the unmusical nature of the terms, of
which complaint should be made. It would be very kind of
those gentlemen to inform us, what there is in the following-
words less musical than in thousands of our common words
in constant use in our poetry ; nay, it may be contended,
with some truth, that several of them are greatly superior
i« their musical intonation to such as house -sparrow, hedge-
sparrow, yellowhammer, woodpecker, &c. ; surely these are
less musical than alaudina, oriolina, merulid, sylviad, luscinia,
corvidy trochitid, fringillid, insessor, raptor, rasor, mnalidf

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columbidf cygnine, galbule, scolopacid, 8cc. Besides, as every
scientific term is explained either in the glossary or at the
foot of the page in which it is used, the complaint of the
introduction of new terms loses much of its force; had such
explanation been omitted the objection to their introduc-
tion would appear more specious, although not decisive
even then, against their use,

Ornithologia was written for the uninitiated, the Plea-
sures OF Ornithology for those whose tastes and whose
science require no such initiatory method as that adopted
in Orniihologia ; yet, by some perversity, one of our jour-
nalists has complained of the last production as ** something
too much of the subject." Really these critics remind one
of the fable of the old man, his son, and the ass : it is evi-
dently impossible to please them.

While, again, one says " do not separate the poetry from
the prose ;" another says " you ought not to attempt to com-
bine them." Another says, the poetry is a " failure :" it is
asked, a failure to do what ? — to teach more eifectually the
science of ornithology ? If it does not fail to do this, with
humble submission to Messrs. the Critics, it is not a failure.
Another says, that Darwin failed on a similar subject ; and
another, that the attempt would have floored the genius of
Byron.

That Darwin failed to render his work popular by his
method of handling his subject, there can be no doubt j but
that he failed in Jus object in writing the Botanic Garden, is
more than we are warranted in assuming. That Byron
might have failed on a similar subject, is very possible ;
chiefly, it is presumed, because he would not have conde-
scended to that familiarity and simplicity which appears
necessary to success. In what has the author of Ornitho-
logia failed ? He has stated, that his object was to render

62

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a knowledge of Ornithology more pleasing and facile by
the aid of poetry; and if he have succeeded in this, his object
is accomplished,*

"In every work regard the writer's end,
Since none can compass more than they intend/' Pope.

Besides such various and contradictory opinions, for which
an author ought to be prepared if he write on Natural
History^ he may also expect to be told, as the author of
Ornithologia has been, that " he does not comprehend
our higher naturalisls." To this, however, he does not
think it necessary to reply, except by reference to his
■work ; and if in that, when examined throuffhout, there
be any evidence of his want of comprehending our higher
naturalists, he will at once plead guilty to the charge. Per-
haps, in the mean time, he may be pardoned for asking,
whom are we to consider as our higher naturalists? those
who know and record, in clear and intelligible language, the
greatest number o\' facts and existences, or those who, more
intent upon systems and system-builditig than facts or
existences, attempt to reduce to a Procrustes'' bed the nume-
rous anomalies with which the whole world of nature
abounds, and which, dcs^iiic o{ aW learned classification, still
unfurl their flags of defiance, by whomsoever that classifica-
tion be attempted, and vvhether those atteinpts be dignified
with the title of Natukal method or by any other terms.

* While the author is still of opinion that his object in the
composition of his work is accomplished, he thinks that, instead
of calling Ornithologia a Poem, had he called it a Metrical
Catalogue, which in fact it is, the title would have more strictly
corresponded with the contents: but cavillers, even with this
title, may no doubt be found j he has therefore not altered it in
this second impression.

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For the Pleasures of Ornithology, as it was elaborated
with considerable care, and in which the scientific terms are
less sparingly infroduced than in Ornithologia , the author
must confess he had confidently anticipated, from the critics
at least, some encouragement j but, if the London Magazine
can be relied on, his labour and time on that production
have been extremely ill applied.* He desires, however, as
judges of this work, none but the Masters of the Science,
for whom chietly it was written ; if they condemn him, he
will be unfortunate indeed. Only three hundred copies of
the Pleasures of Ornithology were printed, as he never anti-
cipated, from its very nature, a large sale; yet those natu-
ralists, on whose judgment reliance can be placed^ have
borne a willing testimony to its merits and its truth. But
the hunters, the shooters, and the fishers, those to whom
Isaac Walton's hook is a dainty ; some of the critics too,
those who are fond of hunting and shooting, at authors at
least, have, it seems, determined that hunting, shooting, and
fishing, are not only praiseworthy but e\- en intellectual pur-
suits; ergo, his book is to tliem unpalatable: how, in fact,
can it be otherwise to depraved tastes ? It is fortunate for
mankind, that such persons form a very small portion of that
public by whom the pretensions of all authors and books must
be ultimately decided ; and, at the same time, unfortunate
for the author, that the sneer and the gibe of such persons
deter many a well-disposed reader from looking into his
book.

* The London Magazine is now defunct. Its decease is not
at all wonderful: the continued atten)pts at wit and witicism,
with which too many of our periodicals aboutid, to the neglect
of other sterling and useful qualities, must end in their destrnc-
tion; they burn out with their own flashing,-— by flashing are
they kept alive, and of flasliing they will die. Who ever looks
into such publications a second time?

63

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The following observations on the Technicalities of Science,
by the author of Ornithologiay appeared in the Magazine
of Natural History, for July 1828; as subservient to the
author's views, a place is given to them here.

It 5s time that we should get rid of that puerility which would
persuade us that a fact described in terms and language familiar
only to the learned, becomes of less importance when displayed
in the energetical simplicity of our mother tongue. It is time
that such puerility should be placed upon the shelf, or hurried
to the tomb of all the Capulets. If, however, for the sak^ o'
foreigners, such a course should at any time be deemed expedient
it is hoped that an English translation will accompany the Latin
description, so that it may escape the complaints frequently
made, and with nmch truth, against many of the works on natural
history mIucIi have been published in this country and elseuhere;
and which appear to be designed rather to display the learning
of the writers, than to state the facts which such learning ought
to convey. Such, nevertheless, it is admitted, is the effect of habit,
or the prideof science, or both combined, that it is often difficult
for those accustomed to scientific language and terms, to con-
descend to the use of such as shall make what they write at once
agreeable to, and understood by the general reader. Through
inattention to these circumstances, the study of natural history
has not obtained that attention, in this country, to which it is
entitled and deserves: and I may venture to predict that,
while the pride of science shall refuse to condescend to familiar
explanation, the number of students in natural history will not
very materially increase. However, it is to be hoped, that the
prospects of natural history are extending, and that the esta-
blishment of the Zoological Society, in particular, will excite
the public attention ; that the study of nature will be more sim-
plified, and be made more attractive and more amusing. The
publication of the Magazine of Natural History will, it is also
hoped, be instrumental in this work, by reducing the science
to the level of ordinary capacities, and by smoothing the road to
more recondite views.

PRELIMINARY NOTICES.

The following Letter has been some time before Ihe
public J it is, nevertheless, deemed expedient to republish
it here.

To THOMAS CAMPBELL, Esq.
Lord Rector of the University of Glasgow, &c.&c.

London, Jan, 2rf, 18.8.

Sir : As it is generally understood that you are the Editor
of the Neiv Monthhj Magazine, I take the liberty to call your
attention to an article which appears in the number of that
periodical publislied yesterday, and which I am quite sure you
did not write, and most probably, before its publication, never
saw : for if you had, I think you could nevei have suffered such
trash to be made public. And were it not that the name of
the author of the Pleasures of Hope, seems to sanction what
appears in that Magazine, I should not think it deserved the
least attention.

The article to which I allude, treats my work on Birds, lately
published, and which has been, I am happy to say, very well
received by those who are competent judges of it, as a work of
utter worthlessness, and, in your critic's opinion, stale, flat, and
unprofitable! Not content with abusing the poetry, he has
pounced upon the prose ; and although I have candidly, and, I
trust, modestly, explained in the Preface my motives for my
attempt, and that it is designed as an ehmentary work, yet all
that I have said, seems to have rendered the poor thing more
pertinaciously blind. I am, however, sir, obliged to draw this
conclusion, either that your critic is totally incompetent to
judge of the merit and value of my work, or that all the nume-
rous journalists and other scientific persons who have spoken
of it are fools !

It is very easy, sir, for a critical butcher, with a knife and
saw, to cut up the labour of three yearSf and the accumulatiun of
a life of observation f with all the eflfrontery and cruelty of igno-
rance and malice ; but it is not very easy for those who are the
objects of his cold-blooded operations to bear them. He may
wrap himself up in his anonymous cloak, and welcome ; I have

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no wish to see him in Iiis nakedness ; but of this I am sure, that
he is neither a judge of my work, nor of the science of which
it treats.

In conclusion, and not to weary you with a long letter, let
me entreat you, sir, for tiie future, to exercise your discretion
as an Editor, and refuse such trash offered to you as criticism,
or disavow your connexion with such a periodical,— your fame
and credit will not be improved by the alliance.
I am, sir,
With much respect, your most obedient humble servant

JAS. JENNINGS.

p.s. You will observe, sir, a few of the public testimonies to
the value of my work on the following page. I could adf?uce
many letters from some of the first naturalists of tiie age, and
fellows of the Linnean Society, to whom I am person;. lly
unknown, who have voluntarily and unsolicitedly expressed their
approbation of it ; but such gratifying communications I have,
of course, no right to make public.

To conclude this lly per criticism, what a deliglilful book
wouIdOrm'/Ao/oo/a have been, had not the author introduced
the subject of Humanitj/ to Animals ; how pleasant could
lie have made it, had he eulogized, as is the fashion, Isaac
Walton and other piscatory writers; how would our lite-
rary gourmands have gloated over whole pages of inanities,
so that he bad left them to the enjoyment oi \he\r pleasures.
More especially if he had written in praise of the Pleasures
of the Chace ; of the destruction of Grouse and Partridges ;
of the exhilaration produced by the cry of the loud mouthed
hounds ; or by the flash of Manton's riflo, on a frosty morn-
ing in October. But no, he has not chosen to do this,
and verily he hath his reward, — the silly criticism of the
London and the Neio Monthly Magazines, and the vitupe-
ration of the ignorant and the unfeeling.

London; September 1829.

CRITICAL OPINIONS OF ORNITHOLOGIA.

"This is, at once, a curious, an instructive, and an amusing
work. The meritorious author has put together an immense
quantity of information and anecdote respecting birds and their
habits, (Sec; and his stories are not the less entertaining for being
strung together by poetical licence. The latter, it is true, is
rather of a medley cast ; but we can assure our readers, espe-
cially those who are young, that they will hardly be able to dip
intt) a page of this volume, without meeting with something to
entertain and instruct them." — Literary Gazette, Nov. 10, 1827.

" Mr. Jennings's Ornithologia is agreeable and amusing." —
Gent. Mag. for Feb. iQ'iS.

" Too often have books on ornithology, as on other subjects,
been rather adapted for scientific than for general readers, much
less youthful minds j and terms not understood by every one,
and difficult of remembrance, have been generally used. Mr.
Jennings has long turned his attention to the removing of this
impediment; and it is but honest to avow that, whether we
consider the extent of information he has here collected, or the
easy and unaffected style in which his work is written, our opi-
nion is, that it should obtain a place in the libraries of those who
are seeking for themselves, or their children, a plain and full trea-
tise on this interesting branch of s{\n\y."— Literary Chronicle,
Dec. 1,1827.

" We cannot conclude this notice of Ornithologia, without
paying our due meed of praise to its scientific details, as well
as to the amiable spirit of philanthropy that pervades both
poetry and prose." — New Literary Gazette.

"A very interesting volume : the poem which forms the ground-
work affords a favorable specimen of the author's genius in this
branch of composition." — Atlas.

PRELIMINARY NOTICES.

**We can promise those who look into Ornithologia a most
pleasant and profitable employment. For youth especially, we
know not a more clear or attractive book." — Sunday Monitor.

" Mr. Jennings has certainly the merit of producing a very
pleasing and useful little volume." — Taunton Courier.

'* Mr. Jennings's volume is well adapted for presentation to

young persons ; while the knowledge which it displays entitles

it to a much higher stand than a mere book of amusement." —

mirror.

See also the Magazine of Natural History, &c. «&c.

THE PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY, (2s. 6d.)

"Once more, Go seek YE in their various nests
Much pleasure and much wisdom. Who shall cope
With Birds in architecture ? Not nice skill
Of man's most practis'd hand ; not all the lore
Of sages.'' — Page 37.

" A meritorious production." — London Magazine.
[See the Preface to the Pleasures of Ornithology.']

*'The Pleasures of Ornithology is written with great feeling,
and proves that the author has the love of nature deeply im-
planted in his breast." — JVest of England Magazine.

"A beautiful little poem. The object of the writer, 'to ally
poetry to nature, to science, to truth, and to humanity; to make
her a useful handmaiden in the accomplishment of great, good,
and important ends ;' has, in this production, been happily at-
tained."— Leamington Spa Courier.

Lately published, by the author of Ornithologia, (price 2s. 6J.)
AN INQUIRY

CONCKRNING THB

NATURE AND OPERATIONS

OF THE

IN WHICH "

THE SCIENCE OF PHRENOLOGY, THE DOCTRINE OF NECESSITY,
PUNISHMENT, AND EDUCATION, ARE PARTICULARLY
CONSIDERED.

(A Lecture delivered at the Mechanics' Institution, London.)

WITH NUMEROUS CORECTIONS, ADDITIONS, AND NOTES.

" Altogether the work is one of great research, and well merits
the attention of the public." — West of England Magazine*

"In this inquiry there are many things, especially those which
show the fallacy of metaphysical notions concerning the mind,
which deserve attention. Of course the same principle per-
vades this inquiry as does all others of the kind and party to
which Mr. Jennings belongs ; viz. that every thing old and esta-
blished must be bad, and every thing new and innovating good."
Gintleman's Magazine,

While the author admits that the Gentleman* $ Magazuie
is one of the few honourable exceptions to the trashy lite-
rature of the day, he regrets that sentiments should be, in
that publication, attributed to him which can be no where
found in his writings. So far is the author from thinking
that every thing new and innovating is good, he thinks
much of what is new and innovating is had', as he does
also much of what is old. As useful knowledge consists in a
record of facts and of existences, and deductions from them

PRELIMINARY NOTICES.

whether apprehended by the mind or stored np for us in
books, so, from the multiplication of our means, in conse-
quence of the present general diffusion of knowledge, the
latest knowledge, if properly chosen, will be, most probably,
the best : for it is by the united, as well as insulated, expe-
rience of a large number of observers, accurate ones of
course, that the greatest certainty in every kind of know-
ledge, science, is to be attained. For these reasons it is,
ihe pauciii/ of observers in ancient times, and from the scanty
data on which they reasoned, that few of their deductions
in any science can be depended upon. Therefore, modern
knowledge must be preferred to ancient. Some centuries
hence, in all probability, the same opinion will be held of
much of our present knowledge, as is now entertained by
us concerning that of the ancients. We can, of course, only
reason from what we know; all ages and all countries have
done the same : that man is a progressive being, what we
know of him incontestibly proves.

04r T/te preceding worhs, as well as the Family Cyclo-
PiEDiA, (for a notice of which see the end of the volume,) are
to he obtained of Messrs, Sherwood, Gilbert, and Piper,
23, Paternoster row.

TO

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PREFACE.

Although the science of Ornithology has already many
votaries, it is presumed that it can be rendered more gene-
rally interesting by a combination with Poetry, an attempt
at which is here made; with what success must be left to
the public to determine.

Having made the attempt, the author will not, of course,
be understood as agreeing with the sentiment expressed by
an ancient writer, namely, that

Miranda eanunt sed noii credenda Poetce.

Cato.

For, although, doubtless, one of the objects of the Poet
ought to be to excite attention, and, if you please, with
our ancient, admiration, yet poor indeed must that poetry
be which excites admiration and nothing else. Perhaps
the author's notions concerning poetry might not be in ex-
act accordance with the opinions of those who aflfect to be,
or who are considered, the arbitri elegantiarum, but he ne-
vertheless thinks that the Poetry, however admirable,
however splendid, which neither instructs, reforms, nor
persuades, is good for little ; hence the non credenda, in
the passage above quoted, is not admissible as a general
truism. He thinks, indeed, that Poetry ought, if possible,
always to be made subservient to Truth — its handmaid ;
not, as is too frequently the case, — Truth made subservient

a

VI. PREFACE.

to Poetry, and, too often, her distorted slave. And he
feels assured that Poetry, as the handmaid of Truth,
may become, as it sometimes has been, eminently beneficial
and useful to mankind.

The author desires it, however, to be distinctly under-
stood, that the higher order^of poetry in the following work
has neither been his object nor bis aim. The style and
versification of the splendid effort of Darwin, the Botanic
Garden, have not escaped his observation ; but, notwith-
standing, that poem bas bad, and, no doubt, always will
have, many admirers, because it contains some striking
imagery combined with Truth and Science ; yet it ap-
pears, and the coldness of its general reception warrants
the conclusion, that so much elegant labour, so much
pomp of diction, have failed to render it popular ; and a
work on such a subject ought to be popular to be exten-
sively useful. The st>le, versification, and diction of
Darwin, have b^cfn, therefore, in the present work, stu-
diously avoided. Whether the author have succeeded in
more simple measures, and in a more familiar style, is not,
of course, for him to answer ; but, it must be evident, tbat
th^ method of treating a scientific subject, which is here
adopted, promises^ at least, more popularity.

While the author has endeavoured to be simple, he has,
he hopes, avoided vulgarity. AAvare of the truth which
Horace has long ago told us, that,

Diddle est proprie communia dicere,—-
it is difficult to express common things well; still the
difficulty has not deterred him from the attempt. He has,
contrary to the example of Darwin, introduced few scien-
tific terms into the poetry ; these have been consigned to
the Introduction and to the Notes, where they appear

k

PREFACE. VU.

to the author most appropriate. For this course, one
reason, among others, may be assigned, namely, that our
scientific naturalists, as will be seen in the Introduction,
have not yet exactly agreed as to Ihe arrangement and
TERMS which are most suitable to the science ; and, there-
fore, were the Linnean or any other systematic arrange-
ment and terms adopted in the text, as, very possibly, some
future naturalist may strike out or discover another method
more consonant with nature, which might become more
popular, the poem, thus written, would be rendered com-
paratively useless. By using the common names this is
not very likely to occur : for the author is not so sanguine
as to expect that the common names of birds will be ulti-
mately and entirely superseded by scientific ones; at least
by such scientific ones as are now in use s the latinity
and novelty of these, if nothing else, presenting to the
uninitiated a disinclination, nay, a repugnance, to their
introduction.

The classical ear will, it is presumed, 'be always more
pleased with Picas martins, than with Great Black- Backed
Woodpecker; with Tringa pugnax, than with Ruff" and
Reeve ; with Larus canus, than with Common Gullf or even
Sea-mew;* and Picus erythrocephalus^ no very musical
expression, will be preferred by many to the Red-headed
Woodpecker ; yet it is to be feared that learning will never
succeed in rendering such terms popular. The best method
of making them so will be to anglicize them ; then, indeed,
ihe. Luscinian Sylvia, or Sylviad, instead of Nightinyale,
and Canorous Cuculid, for the Cuckoo, may occasionally find

* Yet who would wish in that beautiful song of Lord Byron's,
(Childe Harold, Canto /.) to see sea-mew exchanged for Lams
canus? In truth, classical names may be dignified, but they
generally want the charm of simplicity.

«2

VlJl. PREFACE.

a place in our poetry, if not in our prose. But this is an
innovation which, to any great extent, the author would
not presume to introduce. See the Observations on the
Quinary Arrangement of Mr. Vigors, Introduction, page 43.
A few only of the terms proposed by this gentlemen has
been adopted, and appear in the poetry in an anglicized
dress ; such are Raptor^ Rasor, ScoTisorj Vulturid, &c. In
short, although the author's own taste and inclinations lean
io the use of scientific terms, (and ho fears that some of his
readers will think he has introduced too many,) there can
be, he apprehends, no doubt that the general reader will
prefer the common and more usual names. It is true he
runs the risk of incurring the censure of those who are
more partial 1o names than to things ; and he may possibly
offend the pride of the professor, but, on the most mature
deliberation, he feels persuaded that the course which he
has pursued for an elementary work is the most useful
and most instructive: enough of science pervades, he
hopes and believes, the Introduction and the Notes.

These observations are made in order that the author'*
object in regard to the poetical portion of bis work might
not be misunderstood. If lie have succeeded in rendering
a knowledge of ornithology more pleasing and facile by
the aid of Poetry, that object is accomplished.

To the originality of assembling tlie, birds under the
auspices of the Fagle and the Vulture the author lays
no claim; he adopted it, believing that it oifered an easy
means of displaying the knowledge which he was desirous
to convey. Candour, moreover, compels hira to declare
that the perusal of a little poem in MS., written by a lady,
and entitled the Lanthom Fly's Lec/ure, descriptive of many
of our ingects, suggested, more immediately, the present per-
formance.

PREFACE. IX:

Of the Prose portion of the work it may be suflacient to
say, tliat a crowd of naturalists have, from time to time,
recorded a variety of useful and amusing facts concerning
Birds; — (hat to bring the chief of these facts before the
student, with the addition of many more from the author's
own resources, and others from intelligent and scientific
friends, and to combine them w'ltU familiar poetry, so as to
render the science altogether more attractive, and to ex-
hibit a useful epitome of it, have been the design of the pre-
sent undertaking, which, the author flatters himself, will
supply, at once, agreeable reminiscences to the Adult, and
elementary and useful instruction to Youth. Indeed, he
frankly avows, that he looks forward to its becoming an
every-day companion in our academies and our schools j as
well as at our firesides.

Of his own ADDITIONS to the Natural History of Birds he
does not wish to say much ; they are numerous, and, he be-
lieves, not unimportant : an observer of nature for more
than forty years ought to add something to our knowledge
conceining her works. That he has been assiduous jn the
composition and arrangement of the volume will be, it is
presumed, self-evident; in fact, no labour, trouble, nor re-
search, has been spared. But that it is, even now, with
all his assiduity, free from error, he is, nevertheless, neither
so weak nor so vain as, for a moment, to suppose.

The Notes contain notices of every genus and the most
important of the species described by LiNN^us ; and also
notices of the additional genera of Dr. Latham. The
Birds, indeed, described in this little work, are more in
number than all those described by Linnaeus ; so that, it is
hoped, nothing very material has been omitted concerning
this interesting portion of the animal kingdom.

It ought, perhai)s, also to be mentioned that, although

X. PREFACE.

the author's residence has been chiefly in and around the
metropolis during the last ten years, many of which have
been passed at Lewisham, with innumerable rambles to
Sydenham^ Forest Hill, &c. &c., yet, that the chief of his
knowledge of the Natural History of Birds has been
obtained by a Jong residence in Somersetshire ^ at Hunts-
pill, of which place he is a native j and where, to his
shame be it spoken, in his earlier days, he was (he niost
inveterate bird' s-nester in the county. Not an egg or nest
of any kind in hedge, bank, bush, the loftiest tree, or wall,
could escape him. He had, while yet a boy, one year, an
exhibition of nearly two hundred eggs, obtained from the
various tribes, the Hawk, the Cuckoo, and a numerous et
catera. He is now, however, thoroughly convinced of the
folly, not to say wickedness, of such predatory plunder j
the birds which do us harm are, comparatively, so few,
that, the House-sparrow perhaps excepted, (and he fears
that he must except the house-sparrow of the country,)
benevolence would bid us leave them all to their enjoy-
ments ; — a moderate degree of care being sufficient to
prevent any of their serious depredations* It is hoped that
his inconsiderate example will be no inducement to any
one to follow the idle and heartless \mtsmto(bird^s-nestinff.
No one can more truly regret than the author now does the
pains to which his heedless and silly curiosity, or something
worse, subjected them.

Should, therefore, any fact relative to the birds of this
country he stated in the following pages, which may not
seem in accordance with what is stated in books, or even
with the experience of the accurate observer of nature —
the Natural Historian, it is hoped thatit will not be forgotten,
that many facts may be observed in ono place which might
not occur in another. Even the nidification of birds.

' PREFACE. XI.

although in jijeneral pretty uniform, undergoes, occasionally
some modification in consequence of the ease or difficulty
with which certain materials can be obtained. We must
not, tlierelore, be in haste to condemn what we have not
ourselves witnessed. In the Natural History of Birds,
even of those with which we are most familiar, we are still
greatl}'^ deficient ; theie can be no doubt that more ex-
tended observation will add very materially to our know-
ledge of this truly dehghtful department of nature.

The author takes the present opportunity Of returning
hi$ sincere and best thanks to those kind and intelligent;
Friends and Correspondents who have so promptly and
liberally communicated to him many facts concerning the
Natural History of Birds which were not previously known;
and also for their hints and suggestions for the improvement
of bis work. Some of these gentlemen are specifically men-
tioned in the Introduction or the Notes; but he deems it
incumbent upon him to state that he is indebted fot
valuable information to Dr. Latham, to whoso interesting
and voluminous work on Birds he is al^ under considera-
ble obligation ; to N. .4. Vigors, Esq. m.a. f.l.s. Seethe
learned Secretary of the Zoological Society, and the in-
genious expounder of the Quinary Arrangement ; to Dr.
HoRSFiELD, the author of Zoological Researches; to tbe
Poet Laureate ; to Richard Taylor, Esq. f.l.s. ; to the
Rev. W. L. Bowles ; the Rev. W. Phelps ; to J. G.
Children, Esq. f.l.s. &c. and Secretary to the Royal
Society; to W. Yarrel, Esq. f.l.s, whose collection of
English Birds, and their eggs, as well as many anatomical
preparations of Birds, evince, at once, his zeal and his ex-
tensive knowledge of this interesting science ; and to R.
Sweet, Esq. f.l.s. for whose valuable communication on

Xll. PREFACE. ^

the singing of some of the warbler tribe in the Introduction^
the author is also particularly indebted and obliged. Nor
must he omit the name of Mr. David Don, the ingenious
librarian of the Linnean Society, who has, ou numerous
occasions, most kindly assisted the author in his ornitholo-
gical researches.

While the author regrets that so long a time has
elapsed since the first announcement of his work, the
delay has been, from the state of trade, unavoidable, —
yet the delay itself has been of infinite advantage to the
completion of the volume. The substance of all the
Lectures on Ornithology which the author gave during the
last summer, at th^ City of London Institulion, is incorpo-
rated in this work.

The student, in consulting the following pages, ought
most carefully to attend to wliat is stated in the Introduction.
The Index, as it includes most of the provincial names of
Birds, will considerably assist those who are not acquainted
with the scientific terms. As the names of many Birds are
mentioned in the Poem which have no notes of reference
annexed, when information is wanted concerning them, re-
course should be had to the Index.

It may seem almost superfluous to add that, as the author
is desirous of rendering his work as interesting and com-
plete as possible, a notice of any errors, or of any striking
and recently observed facts concerning Birds, will be most
thankfuHy received, if addressed to the author, at the pub-
lishers', free ofexpence, and with an authenticated s'lgn'AiufC.

PREFACE. Xlll.

Convinced as Ihe author is that a knowledge of Natural
history, is best conveyed through the alluring medium of
Poetry; if his present eflfort be approved, it is his intention
to proceed (should health and opportunity permit,) in a
similar way with the remainder of the Animal kingdom.
The whole will then be arranged in the following manner ;

I. Mammalia, or the Quadrupeds, and other animals
which svckle their young ; characterized by a heart having
two ventricles and two auricles ; the blood being red and
warm ; viviparous.

II. Ormthologia, (the present Work,) or the Birds ;
the characters of which are the same as in the first class
except that Birds are oviparous^ covered with feathers, and
furnished, for the most part, with wings, so as to be able to
raise themselves in the air.

III. Amphibia, which will include the Serpent, Crocodile y
Frog, Toady ^c. ; in this class the heart has but one ventricle
and one auricle ; the blood being red but cold; inspiration and
expiration, in some measure, voluntary.

IV. IcHTHYOLOGiA, Of the FiSHES ; the heart of this class
has the same structure, and the blood similar qualities uith
those of the amphibia; but Fishes are distinguished by
brunchicB, or gillsy and by having no such voluntary command
of the lungs.

V. Entomologia, or the Insects ; the heart has one ven-
tricle, but no auricle ; the blood is cold and white; this class
has also antennee or feelers^

VI. Helminthologia, or the Worms ; the characters of
which are the same as in class V. ; this Class has, however,
no antenncBy but is furnished with tentacula.

And thus become, it is hoped, useful and amusing
manuals of the science of Animal Natural History ; and
prove, besides, the author hopes and believes, that Poetry
can be rendered subservient to Nature and to Truth.

a3

XIV. PREFACE.

Of the Wood-Engravings, improved from the elegant
designs of n Lady, Mrs. Hamilton, and executed by the
author's friend, Mr. Henry Hughes, and which accompany
the work, it is scarcely necessary to speak, their excellence
being manifest. The author cannot, however, here avoid
calling the public attention to this branch of the arts ; and
he, at the same time, hopes that an Artist who combines
in his own person that of a Landscape- Draughtsman^ a Wood'
Engravevy and a Painter, will not long remain without a
suitable portion of public encouragement and reward,
Mr. Hughes is already known by his work containing
Sixty Views in Wales, all of which, except one or two, were
drawn on the spot, and afterwards engraved on wood, by
the artist himself.

Ladytoell, Lewisham ; October, 1827.

DIRECTIONS TO THE BINDER.

The Plate of the British and European Birds, with the Land-
scape, must follow page 96 ; the Plate of the Foreign Birds
with the Landscape must follow page ^98.

CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTION.

Pitge
Address to Mrs. Kay, coniaining Sketches of
the Country in and around Lewisham — Le£,
Blackheath — Greenwich-Park — Forest-Hill
— Sydenham — Penge-Wood — Beckenham —
Bromley — Hayes— Ha yes- Common, atidHoLwooo 1

The Plough Boy's Song 3

The Nest of the Wren — the Long-tailed Capon — the
Thrush — t}ie Goldfinch — the Chaffinch — the Magpie
— the House-Sparrow — the Swallow — the Martin —
the Wood-Pigeon — the Woodpecker — the Rook--*
the Croic — the Oriole — the Grosbeak — the Tailor-
' bird — the Rufous Bee-Eater — the Esculent Swallow 17

The Arrangement of Linnaeus 27

Pennant 30

Latham 32

Vigors 39

On the Structure and Functions of Birds 45

Incubation of Birds 59

Songs of Birds 65

Song of the Nightingale 68

Nidification of Birds 79

Migration of Birds 82

Summer Birds of Passage 84

Winter Birds of Passage -. ib.

Notice of Wilson the American Ornithologist .... sk)
Scientific Terras 95

XVI, CONTENTS*

PART THB FIRST.

Page^

British and European Birds 97

The Woodlark's Invocation 112

Address to the Nightingale 132

Cuckoo 137

Rook 148

Freedom 170

The Redbreast's Song 4. 239

Skylark's Song 249

Gold6nch's Song , . . w. . . . 251

Thrush's Song 266

Linnet's Song 261

Blackbird's Song 263

Hedge-Sparrow's Complaint 26^

Bulfinch's Sonnet 268

Ring-Dove's Lament 270

Black-cap's Song 272

Nightingale's Song 274

A Glee ^ 275

The Banquet 276

House-Sparrow's Speech 279

Conclusion of the First Part 296

Address to the Warblers 297

Spring 298

CO^JTENTS. XVll.

NOTES TO THE FIRST PART.

Note Page

1 (Falco) Eagle, Hawk, Buzzard, Kite, Falcon,

&c. 100

2 (Alauda) Lark, Woodlark, Titlark, &c. .... 112

3 (Columba) Pigeon, Dove, &c . . 116

4 (Anas) Swan, Goose, Duck, &c. , . 123

5 {Sylvia luscinia) Nightingale 132

6 (Cucuhis) Cuckoo, the Common, the Honey-

Guide, &c 137

7 {Phasianus) Pheasant, Cock and Hen, &c 144

8 (Corvus) Rook, Raven, Crow, Magpie, &c 149

9 (Hirundo) Swallow, Martin, Swift, &c 157

10 (Scolupax) Woodcock, Snipe, Curlew, &c 160

11 {Picus) Woodpecker, the Green, the Golden, &c. 164

12 {Slurnus) Starling, Water-Ouzel, &c 167

13 (^Zocrfo) King-Fisher 171

14 (Charadrius) Plover, Dotterel, &c 172

15 \Loxia) Grosbeak, Green- Linnet, Crossbill, &Cw 174

16 {Larus) Gull, Kittiwake, Tarrock, &c 178

17 (Tringa) Sand-Piper, Ruff and Reeve, Lap-

wing, &c 182

18 {Rallus) Rail, the Land, the Water, Gallinule, 186

19 {Colymhus) Diver, Grebe, Guillemot, &c 187

20 (Emberiza) Bunting, Ortolan, Yellow-Ham-

mer, &c. , 191

21 (Certhia) Creeper 193

22 (Z,amM«) Shrike, Butcher-Bird, Wood-Chat, &c. 194

23 (Ardea) Stork, Crane, Heron, Bittern, &c. . . 196

24 {Upiipa) Hoopoe, Grand-Promerops, &c. .... 202

XVlll. CONTENTS.

Note Page

25 (Coracias) Roller 204

26 (Sitta) Nuthatch ib.

27 (Otis) Bustard 205

28 (Fuwar) Wryneck 208

29 {Mergus) Merganser, Goosander, &c 209

30 (Glareo/a) PRATINCOLE 211

31 {Hamatopus) Oyster-Catcher ib.

32 (Alca) Auk, Razor-bill, Puffin, &c 212

33 {Procellaria) Petrel, the Stormy, the Fulmar . . 214

34 {Fulica) Coot, Gallinule, &c 216

35 ( Parus) Titmouse 218

36 {Tetrao) Partridge, Grouse, Quail, &c 221

37 ( Recurvirostra) A vosET 227

38 (Melea^ris) Turkey ' 228

39 (A'umiV/a) Guinea-Hen 230

40 (Pavo) Peacock 231

41 (Strix) Owl 232

42 (Sylvia) Warbler, Redbreast, Wren, Wagtail,

&c 241

43 {Alauda arvensis) Skylark 250

44 (Fringilla) Finch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, &c. 252

45 (Turdus) Thrush, Missel, Fieldfare, &c 257

46 (Fringilla linota) Linnet 262

47 {Turdus merula) Blackbird 264

48 (Sylvia modularis) Hedge Sparrow 266

49 (X-oxia y?yyr/m/a) Bulfinch ..^fk^.^^. . . . 269

50 (Columha palumhus) Wood-Pigeon * ,4 ..,.•.... 271

51 (Sylvia atricapilla) Black-cap 273

62 (Fringilla domestica) House-Sparrow 280

CONTENTS. X1X>

PART THE SECOND.

Page

Foreign Birds 299

The Poe-Bird's Song 331

Blue-Bird's Song 333

Address to the Blue-Bird 334

The Wood-Robin's Morning Song 351

Address to the Wood-Robin 352

Mocking-Bird 372

The Canary-Bird's Song 400

Manakin's Song 404

Mocking-Bird's Song 405

Oriole's Song 407

Tanager's Song 409

A Storm 411

The Wood-Thrush*s Evening Song 415

Mocking-Bird's Night Song 418

Detached Pieces.

The Valley of Nightingales 421

Hill of Freedom 426

Valedictory Lines 434

Glossary 437

Index 441

XX. CONTENTS.

NOTES OF THE SECOND PART.

Note ' Page

1 iVultur) CONDUR, VuLTORE, &c 306

2 (Caprimufgus) Goatsucker 310

3 {Trocltilus) Humming-Bird 316

4 {Cinvyris) SuN-BiRDS 318

5 ( Paradisea) Birds of Paradise 320

6 (Pheenicopterus) FLAMINGO 322

7 {Si/Ivia sutoria) TailorBird 323

8 ( Rhynchops) Skimmer 324

9 (B?tcco) Bar BET ib.

10 {Tantalus) Ibis 325

\\ {Ciotophaga) Km 327

12 {Merops) Bee- Eater 328

13 ( Buphaga) Beef- Eater 329

14 {Aniliophagus) Honey-Eater ib.

16 {Sylvia sialis) Blue-Bird 332

16 (Diumedea) Albatross, Man-of-war Bird, &c. 336

1 7 {Oriolus pecoris) Cowpen 337

1 8 {Penelope) GuA\, Yacou, Marail 339

19 {Cancroma) Boat-bill 340

20 (4w/?f/i.v) Chatterer, CoTiNGA, Bell-Bird .. 341

21 {Plotus) Darter, Ahinga 342

22 {Sterna) Tern, Noddy 343

23 {Crax) Cukaqoa, or CuRASSO w ♦ . . 344

24 {Ramphastos) Toucan, Toucanet 347

25 {Platalea) Spoon-bill 346

26 {Phaeton) Tropic-Bi rd 348

27 {Todus) Tody 349

38 {Pelecanns) Pelican, Cormorant, Shag, Gan-

net, Sec 35;>

CONTENTS. XXI.

I^ote Page

29 {Gracula) Grakle, Crow-Blackbird, &c 367

30 (Palamedea) Screamer 358

31 (Psophia) Trumpeter 360

32 (Ono/u5) Oriole 361.

33 ( Phytotoma) Plant-Cutter 364

34 (Trogan) CuRucui, English*Lady ib.

35 (Corrira) Courier 365

36 (Si/lvia) Warbler, the Superb, the Babbling, the

Palm, &c .,..,. ib.

37 (Momotus) MoTMOT 36T

38 (Parra) Jacana 368

39 (Mijcteria) 3 ABIRV 369

40 (Muscicapa) Fly-Catcher, Cat-Bird, &c. .... 370

41 (Turdus polyglottiLs) MocKlNG-BiRD 373

42 (5'/rM//iio) Ostrich, Emeu, Rhea, &c 377

43 (Didus) DoDO 382

44 (-BMcero*) Horn -bill 383

45 {Callmis) Wattle-Bird 384

46 ( Vaginalis) Sheath-bill ib.

47 ( Menura) Menura 385

48 (Scythi'ops) Channel-bill 386

49 (Galbula) Jacamar ib.

50 (Colius) CoLY, Mouse Bird ib.

51 {Scopus) Umbre _ 387

52 (Aptenodytes) Pinguin ib,

53 (Oriolus textor — Embcriza textrix) Wea\er.Birds 389

54 {Musophaga) Plantain-Eater 390

55 {Cursorius) Courser ib.

56 {Pteropus) Fin-foot ib.

57 (Polophilus) Coucal 391

58 {Cereopsis) Cereopsis ib.

XXII. Contents.

Note Page

69 (Pogomjw) Barbican 392

60 (Erodia) Erody »•♦>*>.; ib.

61 (Phoenicopliaus) Malkoha . . . , »r»-* ♦ -% 393

62 {Psittacus) Parrots 394

63 {Friugilla canarid) Canary-Bird 401

64 (P?>ra) Manakin 404

65 {Oriolus nidipendulus) the Hang NEST Oriole .. 408

66 (Tanfl^rra) Tanager 410

(Tnrdus melodus . the "Wood-Thrush — the

Turdus migratorius) Red-bkeasted Thrush. . 416

ADDENDA ET CORRIGENDA.

Notwithstanding the author's vigilance, some nominal, and a
few other typographical^ errors have escaped him ; the reader
will be kind enough to correct them from the following notices.

In addition to the Ornithological publications mentioned in
various parts of this work, another ought to be noticed lately
begun under the superintendance of Sir Wm. Jardine, bart.
and P. J. Seiey» esq. with the co-operation of many other
gentlemen eminent in the science. It is entitled Illustrations (if
Ornithology, and is designed, in the first instance, to display the
newest groups and newest species, and afterwards all the species
which have already been described. The Plates are to be co-
loured correctly after nature, and are also to be accompanied
with scientific letter-press descriptions. It is in royal 4to.
One number has already appeared.

Page 6. If any additional evidence were wanting to prove
that angling is one of the worst of sports, a painful instance has
been lately supplied to me. Walking on the banks of the canal
in Forest-Hill wood, I saw an angler who had just caught a
email pike about a foot long ; but not being able to detach the
hook from the throat of the fish, he was obliged to pass his
finger under the gills, and to cut out the hook from the throat with
a knife; this being done, the fish still continued to breathe. I
urged the angler to kill the fish at once ; but no, the animal
was to remain in agony, because, while it remained alive,
putrefaction would not take place!

Page 14, line 10 from the bottom, for dilata read dilatata.

Page 22, lines 5, 15, and the last, for Taylor-bird y read Tailor-
4nrd ; in page 248, line 6 from the bottom, make the same cor-
I'ectiooj and again in page 323, lines 1 from the top, and 6 and
7 from the bottom,- make the same corrections, as well as

XXIV. ADDENDA ET CORRIGENDA.

wherever else in this work Taylor-bird may be found ; Tailor-
bird being the usual and accredited spellings— 32, line 7, for
voluminious read toluminous. — 36, col. 3, line 8, for Gallinoula
read Gallinula. — 37, line 11 from the bottom, (or chryste'etos read
chrysaelos>

In pages 41 and 42, the Circular Diagrams explanatory of the
Quinary Arrangement ought to have been placed in a circular
form instead of that in which they now stand ; but the page
is altogether too small to permit a proper display of this system.

It should have been mentioned in page 48, that there is
another disease of birds called also pip: it consists in a thick
white skin or film that grows under the tip of the tongue; and
is said to arise from want of water, or drinking that which is
impure, or by eating improper food. It is cured by simply
pulling off the film with the fingers and rubbing the tongue with
salt. Hawks are said to be peculiarly liable to this disease.

In page 49, it is stated that "the organ of smell is said, in
the Gannety to be wanting." This is, however, not correct;
there is probably no deficiency in the smell of that bird; but,
from the peculiar structure of its tongue, the taste is very pro«
bably incomplete.

Page 52, line 15 from the bottom, after also add to. — 56,
line penult., for appears, read appear. — 58, line 12, for Virginia-
nus read VirginiaJia.

Page 59. In addition to the paragraph concerning the clutnge
of plumage in the female bird, it may be stated that a paper by
Mr. Yarrel was read before the Royal Society in May last, and
will appear in the next publication of the Philosophical Trans-
actions, in which it is clearly shewn, by numerous facts, that the
alteration in plumage does not arise from age, but from disease
of the sexual organs ; nay, that not only may the female be made to
produce feathers and other appearances like the male by an arti-
ficial a bstraction of merely a portion ofthe oviduct, so that the con-
tinuity of the canal may be destroyed, but that the male, as in the
capon, becomes also greatly altered ia manners and plumage by

ALTERATION IN THE PLUMAGE OF BIRDS. XXV,

the abstraction of the organs of generation. Tiie conclusion drawn
by Mr. Yarrel is that age is not necessary to this peculiar
appearance of the female; and that both male and female be-
copie, as it were, a neuter gender, by the deprivation of the
sexual organs, and that both assume characters decidedly in-
termediate between tiie two sexes. The change, however, in
the colour of the feathers of birds is not produced by this na-
tural or artificial disease only : for the plumage of some birds
is considerably heightened as the sexual organs dilate in the
spring ; in the decline of summer the plumage loses again its
brilliancy, returning to shades of grey and white for defence
during the winter ; at which time also the sexual organs become
contracted and the voic^ subsides.

Page 62, line 13, for tail read rail.

Pages 64 and 250. Aluuda arvensis, or Sky-Lark. Notwith-
standing what is stated concerning the song of the female lark, a
bird-catcher in the neighbourhood of London assures me that the
female larks do not sing ; that it is the constant practice of the
bird-catchers to kill them when caught. That the young males
if taken at once from the nest and bred up in confinement have
not so beautiful a note as those caught in nets in the autuniir :
a proof here that nature is the best teacher.

Page 67, line 9, for similiarly read similarly. — 81, line 14 from
the bottom, for their moss read its moss.

Pages 90, 91, 92, and 93, for Andrew Wilson read Alex-
ander Wilson.

Page 96, line 3, for Axilla read Axillce. — ll7, line 10 from the
bottom, for prevails read prevail.

Page 124. Of the Swan, (Cygnus Olor,) I find the following
notice in the Universal Magazine for 1749, vol. v. page 58, in an
account of Abbolsbury, Dorset. * The royalty of this town is in
the family of the Homers, who have a Swannery here containing
from 7 to 8000 swans."

It should have been stated, in page 130, that, although in some
districts of the kingdom the Wild Duck is called a Mallard, the

XXVI. ADDENDA ET CORRIGENDA.

term Mallard is applied, in the west of England, to the mak of
the tame duck.

Page 132, line 9 from the bottom, for moonlight read
noonlight.

Page 150. Concerning the Rook, I have been since favoured
with the perusal of the late Lord Erskinb's Poem; it is en-
titled the Farmer's Vision, and was composed, his Lordship
informs us, in consequence of his having, at the instance of his
bailiff in Sussex, complained to a neighbour of his Rookery, the
only one in that part of the country ; but having been afterwards
convinced of the utility of Rooks, his Lordship countermanded
his complaint, and wrote the Farmer's Vision, which consists of
about 300 lines, with some very pertinent notes. In justice to
his Lordship it ought, however, to be stated, that he distinctly
asserts he is not a poet ; that the production was not fit for pub-
lication, and that a few copies only were printed for friends who
asked for them, and that it was too long to make them in writing.
It is dated from Buchan-Hill, Sussex, December 25, 1818.
Without controverting his Lordship's position, that he was not a
poet, there will be no difficulty in stating that there never was a
man so eminent as an orator as Lord Erskine, who might not
have been a poet had he chosen to direct his attention to the
pursuit of poetry ; — the soul of eloquence, and the soul of poetry
if not identical, are so nearly allied as scarcely to be distin-
guisbable. Exquisite sensibility belongs to both.

His lordship, at the commencement of the poem, iu allusion to
birds and other animals, says,

" They whisper truths in reason's ear,
If human pride would stoop to hear."

He then proceeds to describe how a flock of rooks were shot
}it by his bailiff, some of whom were

" Fainting from many a cruel wound.
And dropping lifeless on the groimd."

When a rook thus addressed his lordship :
" Before the lord of this domain.
Sure, justice should not plead in vain,
6

LORD ERSKINE*S ** FARMER'S VISION." XXvii.

How can his vengeance thus be hurl'd
Against his favourite lowrer world ?
A sentence he must blush to see
Without a summons or a plea;
E'en in his proudest, highest times,
He ne'er had cognizance of crimes.
And shall he now, with such blind fury,
In flat contempt of judge and jury,
Foul murder sanction in broad day.
Not on the King's but God's highway ?"

Touch'd with the sharp but just appeal,
Well turn'dat least to mukeme feel,
Instant this solemn oath I took —
No hand shall rise against a Rook."

t can atford no farther room for quotation from this hnmane
poem ; but in a note, page 22, after having quoted some lines
from CowPER's Task, (three of which may be seen in page
283), his lordship observes " The whole subject of humanity to
animals is so beautifully and strikingly illustrated in this ad-
mirable poem (the Task), that no parents ought fo be satisfied
until their children have that part of it by heart." *

Whether this production of his lordship be publislied hereafter
in a separate form or not, it is to be hoped, at any rate, that
those who may be collectors of his lordship's writings will take
care that the Farmer's Vision is preserved amongst them."

Page 17J. The author saw a beautiful specimen of the
Alcedo ispida, or Common King-Fisher, on the banks of the
Ravensbourne, between Bromley and Beckenham, in Sept*
1827; it was actively on the wing, and darted out from beneath
the bridge over which passes the public road.

He is disposed to think, that he saw the Nightingale, too, in a
hedge near Lewisham, towards the latter end of August ; but the
shyness of this bird renders its identification, without its song,
in such a situation, difficult.

Page 175, line 17, after Grosbeak read Haio-Grosbeak,

XXVlll. ADDENDA KT CORRIGENDA.

Page 178, line penult., for fly read /ry — 184, line 10, for
Great Coot-Footed Tringa read Grey Coot-Footed Tringa ; same
page, line 13, after Red Coot-Footed Tringa^ read Johnson's Small
Cloven-footed Gull. — 186, line 9 from the bottom, for redgy read
sedgy. — 198, line 4 from the bottom, for Granaries read Craneries.
—206, line 16, after they can fly, place a comma. — 207, line 9»
for CEnicdemus read CEdicnemus. — 209, line 5, for countries read
counties. — 210, line 6 from the bottom, for that read than. —
2?4, line 9 from the bottom, for Prarie read Prairie. — 227, line
7 from the bottom, for Americanus read Americana. — 247, line
13, for countries read counties.

Page 253. After Brambling read Bramble; same page, after
Siskin read Barley-Bird. — 262, add (to precede the note)
Order, Passeres, (Linn.) Linnet. — 264, line 11 from the
bottom, for (43) read (45).— 274, line 6, for lilies read lilacs:
sweet smelling lilies do not blossom in April, in this country.

Page 280. The House-Sparrow is occasionally seen white ;
another variety black.

Page 285, line 6, for its read if 's.— 303, line 10, for embossom'd
read embosom'd. — 305, line 15, for Indicus read Indica.—3\7,
line 2, after hour add a semicolon.

Page 319. I'he Manuel d'Ornithologie of M. Temminck first
appeared in 1815. The arrangement consists of fifteen orders
and eighty-eight genera. In line 6 of this page from the bottom
for ornithologsls read ornithologists.

Page 328, line 6, for contists read consists. — 357, line 3,
for PiiE read PiCiE. — 358, line 7 from the bottom, for the feet
/ead three feet. — Same page, line 11, for resembles read resemble.

Page 377. The account of the colours of the mule and female
Ostrich has been obtained from the most authentic sources ;
yet the female ostrich, now in the museum of the Zoological
Society, and which was lately dissected there, has the wing and
tail feathers while. Are these birds subject to variation in this
respect ?

Page 381, line 1, after came dele the comma. — hue 15, for

ON THE SONG OF FEMALE BIRDS. XXIX.

helmets read helmet.— 390, Vine 11, for Plantan read Plantain.
•—399, line 8 from the bottom dele the article a.

In addition to what is stated by Mr. Sweet in page 73, con-
cerning the singing of birds, that gentleman has favoured me
with the following particulars: "When you called on me last
year, at Chelsea, I had several female birds which never at-
tempted to sing: but now I have two that sing frequently ; one
is a female Black-cap ; she sings a note peculiar to herself, and
not the least like the male or any other bird with which I am
acquainted; I kept her several years before she began to sing.
I have also a female Willow-wren that sings nearly as much as
the cock ; this bird was bred up from the nest, and did not sing
at all the first year ; her note is quite different from the male's,
but resembles it sufficiently to indicate that it belongs to the
same species. The females of the Larger Pettychaps, and the
Larger Whiteihroat, which I have had for several years, never
attempt to sing. The following are the juigratory birds which
I now have. fVheatear, JVhinchat, Stonechat, Redstart, Nightin-
gale, Larger, and Lesser IVhitethroaf , Black-cap, Greater Petty'
chaps, and Willow-wren ; I had also, till lately, the IVood-wren. —
R. Sweet, Chelsea, Oct. 26, 1827."

The Willow-wren, Mr. Sweet informs me, sings also at night
p when there is a light in the room.

Page 49. That birds are rendered more buoyant by having
the cells in their bodies filled with air, as well as also the
bones, there is no reason whatever to doubt ; but in what
manner their increased buoyancy is produced does not seem
well ascertained. Wiiether by condensation of atmos-
pheric air similar to that produced in a strongly inflated
bladder, by which its elasticity is considerably increased, or
whether by some other air specifically lighter than that of the
atmosphere.^— The first appears the most probable reason.

TO MRS. RICHARD KAY,

THE FOLLOWING

INTRODUCTION

Is respectfully inscribed hy her sincere and
affectionate Friend,

THE AUTHOR.

Since this Introduction Las been printed, Mr. Henry
Warren has published six Lithographic Views on the Ra-
VENSBOURNE, amonii which is one of Ladywell, the retreat
described in the followinjr pages. The coincidence is somewhat
remarkable, seeini; that Mr. Warren and the author of this
work are total stranijers to each other. As delineating some
favourite spots, the author feels peculiar gratification in recom-
mending Mr. Warren's Views to puWic attention. They con-
sist of, the Source of the Ravensbourne — Cesar's Camp— Simpson's
Caslle, Bromley — Scene in Lord Farnborovgh's Park — Ladywell^-
and the Mouth of the Ravensbourne. These Views may be seen at
Messrs. Dickinson and Co. Bond-Street.

INTRODUCTION.

Bealus ille quiprocul negotiis —
Libet jacere modg sub antiqua dice,

Modo in ienaci gmmine ;
Labicntur altis interim rivis aguce ,-

QUERUNTUR IN SILVIS AvES ;

Fontesqtte lymphis obstreperunt mananlibus
Somnos quod invitet leves.—HoviKT,

Harmer's Cottage, Lady well ,

LEVVISIIAM,

The Summer's fervid reign is past,
And bland September come at last:
A grateful change — the most to me —
To all who can the city flee.
Light pleasure's sylphs, with tripping feet,
Your presence Aere will gladly greet:
Here Quiet — Contemplation dwell
Beside the fount of Lady well,
Which flows incessant through the year.
As virtue pure, as crystal clear.

INTRODUCTION.

Come to my cottage '.—now look out I
Fair prospect. Madam ! who can doubt?
The church at distance, 'midst the trees.
With verdant meadows round, must please.
There, too, the social rookery,
That ever hath been dear to me ; —
The bridge — beneath, the rippling stream—
The alder's umbrage, and the gleam
Of sunlight darting through the shade,
By lofty elms or poplars made,
With willows waving to the wind,
All aid to please, to soothe the mind ;
While Ducks, in sportive diving, play,
And Geese wide o'er the meadow stray;
The Pigeons skim the air along,
The Cocks and Hens the barn-door throng;
As anxious mothers cluck aloud
The downy young around them crowd.
What time is heard the threshers flail ;
The Peacock struts in plumy pride,
The wild Gallina* by his side,'
E'er ready, with his powerful beak,
Fierce vengeance on his foes to wreak; —
And lo ! the milk-maid with her pail! —
Here feeds the sheep, and there the cow, —
On yonder slope the mo\ing plough.
While heard the plough-boy's cheering note,
On airy waves it seems to float.

Numida Meleagris, Guinea Hen, or Pintado.

INTRODUCTION.

THE PLOUGH-BOY'S SONG,
in September.

The morning breaks o'er Shooter's hill ;-
The Redbreast twitters by the mill ; —
The Cocks, at answering distance, crow;
In neighbouring mead the cattle low;
Yo, hup — yo, ho I
To plough we go !

While artless Jane, of beauty pride.
Her light step dashing dew aside,
With notes of song wakes echo now,
As blithe she hastes to milk the cow ; —

Yo, hup — yo, ho!

To plough we go !

The sun his streams of golden light
Now pours o'er hills and vallies bright ;-
The Thrush her song is warbling now ;
Afield we go to chearful plough ;
' Yo, hup — yo, ho!
To plough we go !

O Nature ! mistress of my song,
To thee love, beauty, truth belong ; —
To thee I homage pay ; and now
Afield we go, and — speed the plough; —

Yo, hup — yo, ho!

To plough we go !

b2

^ INTRODUCTION".

These are the rural sights and sounds
With which the valley here abounds.
And here, in Spring, the Nightingale
Charms, with his song, the listening vale,
What time vibrations of delight
The Cuckoo's monotones excite,
W^hile the wild warbler train attend,
And with his notes their music blend ;
To grove, to wood, to shady dell,
Echo responds in wavy swell ;
All Nature rapturous appears,
And Fancy vegetation hears.*
Nor will the churchyard sod refuse
Its sombrous strains by rustic muse ;
Where, too, sleeps Genius, wild and free.
Within the grave of Dermody.!

* IVIaJame Cottin has a similar, but, I think, more happy
thouglit, — '' On croiroit presqtie entendre le bruit de la vegetation."
— Elizabeth ou Les Exiles de Siberie.

t A poet of some promise, whose malignant planet marred
his best efforts. The fate of tiiis young man reminds us of the
fate of Savage, who had, like Dermody, been consigned
to neglect in his earlier years: hence the unfortunate impres-
sions which both received could not, as it appears, be coun-
teracted in their effects by any subsequent attempts, either
of others or of themselves; a convincing proof of the power
of early circumstances in forming characterj and a proof, also,
of the necessity of early attention to such surrounding media,
in order that the best character may be fashioned and brought
out. Deimody was a native of Ireland ; but died at Lewisham,
df in tijo neigidjourhood, in 1802, at the age of Iwenty-eiijht.

LEWISIIAM— THE RAVENSBOUR^E — ANGLING. O

Oh visit not with brow severe

His failings, — o'er them drop a tear!

A little walk, yon steep ascend
And pleasure will your toil commend.
Behold, in undulating swell,
How rise the hills, how sinks the dell.
Now let your steps descending turn
Along the banks of Ravenshouryie ;
And, though not sure to meet delight.
Her nymphs, perchance, will you requite.
Some Birds, even now, will here in song
Be heard the sylvan shades among ;
The Thrush, the Redbreast in the grove,
Still warble soft their notes of love ;
And Larks, high soaring in the air,
^ Proclaim their pleasure still is there ;

Of Chaffinch " chinks" the woods are proud,
And shrieks of Blackbirds echo loud;*
While Swallows, many, bounding, fleet.
Bathe in the stream both wings and feet.
What time along the marge you stray.
Behold the fishes' sportive play; —
Oh may no angler, in yon nook,
Disturb those tenants of the brook,
Nor wound them with insidious hook !

* The Blackbird, although rarely if ever heard in song in the
autumn, ulteis, nevertheless, upon being disturbed, a singular
and continued shrieking or note, which, although well known
to tlie natural historian, is not easily diescribed.

b INTRODUCTION.

His, wanton sport, — a sport unblest, —
A sport I ever must detest.*

Return — and should you, seeking Health, —
The maid most coy when woo'd by wealth,
Westward ascend — behold a Spring
That might, perchance, even heal a King.
But who its modest worth shall tell^—
What poet sings of Lady well ?

* Lord Byron has thus denounced the sport ot angling:
" And angling, too, that solitary vice,

Whatever Isaac fValton sings or says :
The quaint, old cruel coxcomb in his gullet,
Should have a hook, and a small trout to pull it."

Don Juan, Canto XIII.
His Lordship adds, in a note, << It would have taught him huma-
nity at least. This sentimental savage, whom it is a mode to
qnote (among the novelists) to shew their sympathy for innocent
sports and old songs, teaches how to sew up fro^, and break
their legs by way of experiment, in addition to the art of ang-
ling, the cruellest, the coldest, and the stupidest of pretended
sports. They may talk of the beauties of Nature, but the
angler merely thinks of his dish of tish ; he has no leisure to take
his eyes off the stream, and a single bite is worth to him more
than all the scenery around." It must, however, be admitted,
notwithstanding Walton's bad taste in regard to angling, that
his book is an amusing one ; and has, very probably, induced
many persons to follow the sport, who would otherwise never
have thought of it. Surely, notwithstanding all that Walton
says, the sitting for hours by the margin of a brook or river, is
not a healthy occupation, whatever the angler may make of it;
surely man, intellectual man, can find something more praise-
worthy than such solitary inactivity to gratify his aberrant
inclinations I

LADYWELL — CHALYBEATE SPRING. 7

None — none ; — then now, O Fount ! to thee,

Let this first offering hallowed be.

While many seek the ocean's shore

And listen to his hollow roar ;

May I, with calm delight, still sing

Of thee, unostentatious spring !*

I love the woods, the hills, the fields ;
Will you attend me, Lady ! there
To hear the Birds — to snuff the air —
To taste the pleasures Nature yields.
I love the country and its calm.
For many wounds a sovereign balm.f
I loathe the city and its noise, —
Its tumult, pageants, and its toys.
Mistake me not — 1 friendship prize,t
And gladly seek the good and wise ;

* It ought to be mentioned, that, although tliis spring is in
the little hamlet of Ladvwell, the name of Ladywell isjiot
derived from it. Ladywell, the fountain so called, produces
pellucid and excellent water. The spring here alluded to is a
powerful chalyheate, and totally unfit for common use. It is
similar in its properties to the waters of Tunbridge; and, were
it farther from the metropolis, would, long ere this, have ob-
tained celebrity. Those who may be desirous of knowing this
spring, will find it at a cottage inhabited by Mr» Russell.

t O rus, quando ego te aspiciam? quandoque licebit
Nunc veteium libris, nunc somno inertibus horis,
Duceresolicitae jucunda oblivia vitae. — Horat.

J Ego vos hortari tantum possum, utamicitiam omnibus rebus
hnma^iis anteponatis; nihil est enim tarn naturae aptum, tarn con-
veniens ad res secundas vel adversas. — Cicero de Amicitia.

8 INTRODUCTION.

But may I not such here possess—
May I not here find happiness?

Come then, fair Lady ! with me stray;
To Siiooter's-iiill now haste away ;
Or, midst the shady bowers of Lee,*
I'll proudly wait your company.
Or, if you so prefer, the dark
The chesnut groves of Greenwich Park ;
Forgetting not — who can forget ?
The balmy breezes of Black-heath,

* ** The spirit of improvement through the land
Strides like a giant."

The improvements which have lately been made on Black-
heath, at Lee, and the unostentatious village of Lewisham,
deserve a short note. Those who remember the gloomy gran-
deur of Lee, may now contemplate it under another aspect,
namely, that of rural elegance. There is an oak by the footway,
leading from Lee church to Lee-gteevj that deserves, together
with the surrounding scenery, to be immortalized by the pen, or
the pencil, or both. Blackheath has lately received an
important addition to the east, in a series of elegant villas
evincing, at once, the taste and opulence of the ovrners. The
modern and long-neglected ruin of Sir Gregory Page Turner's
seat, has, at length, totally disappeared ; and, in its stead, have
arisen numerous mansions which wealth and competence have
chosen for their abode. Of Lewisham, I dare not trust my-
self to say much ; it is a quiet, unobtrusive village, in which I
have passed many happy days, and in which a considerable por-
tion of this work was written. The improvements, either com-
pleted or going on here, will render its neighbourhcol still more
desirable as a residence. The walks and scenery surrounding
this place are sufficiently described in the text.

feLACK-HEATH— FOREST-HILL — AUTUMX.

Where health will twine for you a wreath,
Where the Campanula* blooms yet ;
Where Chamomile sanescent grows,
Call'd by the learned Anthemis,f
Specifically nobilis, —

And Heath her beauteous blossom shows, —
There oft I rove. On Forest-Hill
I drink of pleasure's cup my fill ; —
There listen to, the shades among.
The Redbreast's soft, autumnal song ;
Or hear the Thrush, a farewell lay
Pour out, as sinks to rest the day ;
While from the stubble sudden spring
The Partridges, on sounding wing; —
No, social Rasors ! ne'er will I
Send death amongst you as you flyt.

* Campanula patula, — See a subsequent note.

t Antliemis nobilis^ or Common Chamomile with shigk
flowers ; the cultivated variety has double flowers. Whatever
may be the merits of the LinncEan, and other scientific systems
of botany; it is, nevertheless, greatly to be feared, that, from
their apparent complexity and verbosity, it will be a long time
indeed before they will come (if ever) into general use, and
supersede the present trivial nomenclature.

J For some account of the misery produced by firing among
flocks of birds, see the notes to the House Sparrow's Speech. For
an explanation of the term Rasor, see the prose portion of this
Introduction.

10 IS^TRODUCTJON.

I love the steps of autumn time,
When cool, not cold, the morning's prime ; —
When noon has lost his scorching pride,
And pleasures throng the brooklet's side; —
When eve is bland — the genial breeze
Plays wantonly among the trees ;
Or, dimpling o'er the river's face,
Adds to its beauty novel grace.
Delight with me, too, often roves
In Sydenham's dark, shady groves;
Yet o'er her hills, with, Lady ! you,
Pleas'd I shall be to dash the dew
From herb and flower ; and pleas'd to see
The blooming heath I ween you'll be.
Nor will that modest lilac maid,
Campanvla*, with drooping head.
Deny her charms, the while appear
Such goodly prospects far and near.
The pwrpZe DiGiTALisf too.
Will here her homage pay to you.

* The Campmula patula, or Meadow Bell-floweb, is one
of the most elegant of the Campanula genus, and only not more
admired because it is so very common on our heaths.

t Digitalis purpurea, or Fox-glove. Tliis valuable and
beautiful indigenous plant, although growing plenlifully in
hedges in various parts of the kingdom, is rare in the immediate
neighbourhood of London. The curious will, however, find it
on the Sydenham-hills, — hills which no one who deligiits in rural
scenery should omit to see ; yet how many of the inhabitants of
the metropolis have never visited them !

DULWICH — HITHER-GREEN — RUSHY-GREEN. 11

Hence, if it please you, down the vale,
DuLwiCH shall tell a pleasant tale
Of Pictures and of groves of shade,
By painters and by Nature made.*
If, still aberrant, you will stray.
To Hither Green without delay;
Let health's brisk breezes round you blow.
While you command the vale below.
Or wander to that Rushy-Green,
Where diving Dabchicksf oft are seen.
Now pass, the Ravensbourne again.
And quit the haunts of busy men.
For scenes where dwells the woodland sprite,
And FOREST and canal unite ;
The WARBLERS here will charm your sense
With Nature's wildest eloquence.
Though rarely do such works of art,
Canals, the picturesque impair t,
Yet here both Art and Nature meet,
To lay it. Lady ! at your feet.t

* The Dultcich Picture Gallery^ the munificent gift of Sir
Francis Bourgeois, afibrds an agreeable lounge for those who
have any taste for paintings. It is greatly to be regretted,
that a singular regulation precludes some of its usefulness ;
this regulation consists in compelling every one, desirous of
viewing it, to obtain a ticket (gratis it is true,) in London, No
one applying without such a ticket at Dulwich is admitted.

t Colymbus minor y orDioAPPER; a considerable number of
these birds may be always seen in a pond, or on its banks, at
Rushy-green.

X This Canal unites with the Thames, near Deptford. By a
multiplicity of locks, it reaches a considerable elevation

32 INTRODUCTION* -

But Other wanderings you shall find^
Of various power to stir the mind.
Of Pence, the embowering wood explore, —
Of pleasure there an ample store;
Scenes which the artist, charm'd, shall trace,
And on his canvass lay with grace:
There pensive, tranquil thought might dwell ;
There, too, might hermit choose his cell;
And there, the lords of the domain,
The WARBLERS, hold triumphant reign.

Obedient now to Pleasure's wand,
Let Beck EN HAM your steps command:
The region, if not classic, such
You scarcely can admire too much.
Behold its churchyard picturesque.
With gates that trench on the grotesque ;
Then pass through grove and sombre glade,
For poet's haunt in autumn made.
The whirring pheasant here may too.
At eve or morning startle you.
As from the wood, with sudden spring,
She flies on heavy, labouring wing.

"When at Forest-hill \X winds between woods ; and Iheiicp,
pa.ssing on llirough Sydenham, it again winds through Penge-icood
to Croydon. For several miles, while on the elevation, there are no
lacks; hence, from its sinuous course, it adds consideraMy ta
the very beautiful scenery through which it parses.

BECKENilAM — MR. ROBINSOK. 13

Here Robinson,* from toils of state
Opinions' conflict, keen debate,
Retires to soothe, relax his mind,
Woo Nature — to us ever kind.

If now to Bromley you extend,
New scenes, new subjects will befriend;
Nor shall the Villa, taste of Long. f
Be absent from my rural song.
Still farther would you, Lady, rove,
Delight attends in many a grove.

* The Right Honourable Frederick Robinson, now Lor J
GouEHiCH, who, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, in a luminous
and eloquent speech, on the opening of the Budget to Parlia-
ment, March 13, 1826, promulgated some of the most liberal
and important opinions that were ever uttered by any states-
man.

It is scarcely possible to estimate the effect of such senti-
ments on the well being and happiness of the human race,' to
the furtherance of viliich they so eminently tend, when io ex-
tensively diffused, as they necessarily must be, in reports of our
parliamentary proceedings; but we may be morally assured
that^such sentiments will never be forjiotten; and that the time
has indeed arrived when the minds of our enlightened states-
men are in accordance vvitii the opinions of an enlightened
people; and that, among those, while the names of a Canning,
jA Peel, and a Huskisson, will be prominent, the name of the
late Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Robinson, will never
he mentioned without respect and esteem.

t The Right Honourable Sir CharlesXong, Bait. ; since
this was written, created Lord Farnborougii.

14 INTRODUCTION.

Proceed to Hayes, where Chatham* dwelt;
Some recollections may be felt, —
How, in the senate, many shook
Beneath his all-commanding look:
How here, the social hearth beside.
He sank the statesman and his pride;
And, pillow'd on affection's breast,
He solace sought, and found the best:
For what is Splendour, what is Fame,
To Home and Happiness?— a name!
While here, let no pretence delay,
But listen to the woodland fay ;
Or with the mountain.nymph ascend.
Who will with glee your steps attend.

* William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, the first of tliat name,
and the incidents in whose life are inseparably woven with the
history of this country. Hayes was his favourite residence,
where he died; and where also his son William, mentioned
in a subsequent note, was born. This village affords a quiet
and umbrageous retreat. Among many fine trees here, some
Lombardy poplars (Populus dilata), near the mansion, where
once presided the penates of that respected nobleman, are pe-
culiarly interesting by their great height and beauty, they
being well clothed with ivy. Fashion has latterly fixed a stigma
upon this tree (the Lombardy poplar,) which it does not
deserve. It is now become, it is true, extremely common, but;
it is nevertheless, very ornamental, and as little injurious by
its foliage as its shade; indeed, much less so than most other
trees. This residence of Lord Chatham is now occupied by
Mrs. Dehaney.

IP

IIAYES COMMON. 15

Should taste now bid you botanize,
The upland wilds fail not to prize:*
Here Sphagnum^ lifts her humble head,
And DroseraX will her dewdrops shed ;
While Heaths, of roseate hue, will smile,
And thus your wandering way beguile.
Or should your steps refuse the waste,
With Edens near the scene is grac'd,
And cots embov/er'ci, while soaring high
Their smoke, slow curling, stains the sky;^
Where Peace, beside the hearth of home,
Spurns with disdain the lordly dome.
Or like you length and breadth of view
O'er scenery rich, of varied hue,
Ascending still, at Holwood Park,
Look round, and many objects mark ;
'Mongst which the QUEEN of cities stands,',]
A cynosure to distant lands.

* The spot called Hayes Common deserves a more dignified
name: it is at once a wild and an upland, not to say mountain-
ous district; and the numerous villas around add an interest to
it of no ordinary kind.

t Sphagnum palustre, or Bog-moss, a curious and useful plaht
for packing other plants. See Mr. Salisbury's ^count of it in
the Trunsactions of the Society of Arts.

X Drosera rotundifolia, or Sundew.

§ " Above whose peaceful umbrage, trailing high,
A little smoke went up, and stain'd the cloudless sky.''

Bowles's Hope*
II iLondon.

dl6 INTRODUCTION.

Should still no fancy prompt return^
Explore the source of Ravensbourne
At Keston ; — Holwoqd's manse around,
Where sylvan beauties wild abound,
Now wander, whither from the strife
Of faction — stir of public life,
Once oft retir'd that William Pitt,
- Much more a statesman than a wit ;

He who, with Fox, shook senates proud ;
Whose voice once echoed long and loud.
Oh, had he been less fond of war!
What fame exists without a scar ?*

Now, Lady! having hither brought —
Beguil'd you into rural thought,
I will not ask your audience long,
But list a moment to my song, —
A SONG of Birds — their hopes, their fears.
Their loves, their pleasures, and their tears;
In which, I trust, some seeds of truth
Are sown, to serve both age and youth.
You, Lady! when that smiling boy'.
Of promise bright — his parents' joy,

* The Right Honourable William Pitt, for many years
prime minister of this country, and son of the first Lord.
Chatham, mentioned above. Holwood Park and House
are on a very elevated, yet well-wooded spot. The mansion
has been, I understand, rebuilt since the time Mr. Pitt inha-
bited it. It is altogether a very delightful situation, and does
credit to ihe taste of the late prime minister as a country resi-
dence. There is a public footpath quite through the park.
The present occupier is John Ward, Esq.

NESTS OF BIRDS. 17

Shall upward grow, will prompt his mind
To all that's good and great — refin'd ;
And when, perhaps, my voice is mute,
When silent hangs my minstrel lute,
Awaking only to the breeze
Some fitful strains, not such as these;
When ALL that may remain of me.
You in my thought, my song shall see.
You will remind him, that 'twas I
Who struck these chords of minstrelsy.
Simple, in sooth, they are, and trite,
Yet will, I hope, the mind excite
To pleasures simple as my lay.
Yet pure as truth — as sunshine gay.
You will remind your favourite boy
I lov'd him — wish'd him every joy;
And, should he listen to my strain,
I, Lady! have not liv'd in vain.

Oh teach him, when you will know best.
To love, admire the warblers' nest ;*

* The strnctore of the nests of birds afF6rds, perhapj;, one
of t!ie most agreeable lessons in Natural History.

Among the most curious nests of our English birds may be
named that of the fVren, the Long-tailed Titmouse, the Thrush,
the Goldfinch, the Chaffinch, the Magpie, and the House Spari'ow;
to these may also be added the Sivallow's, the Martin's, the Wood
Pigeons, and the Wood- Pecker's. Of the nests of Rooks^, it may
be sufficient to observe, that they are often found to the num-
ber of six, or even more, in a cluster. Crows' nests are al\\ay&
solitary; they are similar in structure to those of the rook.

18 INTRODUCTION.

Mark the design their nests among, —
Observe the wonders of their song, —
■ Their habits, their intelligence, —
And say not, Man alone has sense,
But, See the steps of Providence!

The Wren's nest is globular, and very often made of green
moss, both vvithin and without ; it lias a small hole on the side
of it, just large enough to admit the bird. It is generally affixed
to some tree, and behind it, at a few feet from the ground, so
as not to be immediately in sight. The wren seems very partial
to trees having ivy growing about them, most probably as, by
its leaves, the nest is more effectually concealed. It does not
seem to prefer any particular tree : the nest will be found very
often attached to the elm or the ash; sometimes against an
ivied wall, sometimes in the thatch of a house, and sometimes
in a hay-rick. In such cases the materials of the nest will often
also be varied. See more relative to the Wren in the note
attached to the Redbreast's Song\

The Long- tailed Titmouse makes a nest similar in shape to the
wren's, but considerably larger in external appearance: it by
no means looks so neat as the wren's; its exterior is composed
of dead leaves, interspersed with white moss, &c. Interiorly
it is, however, much more curious than the wren's, being almost
full of small,^ soft, and generally white feathers. It is rarely, if
ever, appended, like the wren's, to trees; its usual site is in a
hedge, on some bush, either of the thorn or wild plum, a few
feet only from the ground.

The nest of the Thrush is exteriorly composed of green or
other moss, and a few straws; interiorly it is plastered all over
witk some paste, apparently composed of rotten wood, with
something to cement it; it is generally of a light buff colour.
When dry it is quite hard, so that the eggs, if moved, rattle in
the nest. The statement, in many of our books of natural his-
tory, that it is lined with cktyj is, as far as my experience goes,

NESTS OF BIRDS. 19

Teach him a sympathy to feel
For NATURE, for the general weal.
Grave this a lesson on his heart;
May he the precept wide impart, —

fatinded in mistake. The Blackbird's nest, although it belongs
to the same genus, is a very different one, and has nothing re-
markable in it, except that it is plastered within with clay, over
which some fine straw or dry grass is laid. The usual situation
of a thrush's nest is behind some ivied tree ; sometimes, how-
ever, it is found in bushes, particularly of thorn; 1 have seen a
thrush's nest in a yew-tree. The blackbird seems to prefer the
thorn for its nest, particularly if it happens to be growing over
water; it prefers, too, that part of the bush which is least ac-
cessible.

The Goldfinch's nest is composed exteriorly of white moss^
interiorly of light coloured wool and hair; it is one of the neat-
est of our English bird's nests. The goldfinch, during its nidi-
fication, is a very domestic bird ; it appears to prefer a garderi
near a dwelling-house to almost any other spot for its nest. It
builds either on young elms, to which it is particularly partial,
on an apple, a pear tree, or a cypress. If not disturbed, it will
build sometimes so low that you may look into the nest; and,
during incubation, you may pass within a few feet of it without
its evincing the least alarm.

The Chaffinch builds a neat nest, although not so neat as that
of the goldfinch; its habits are also in many respects similar; it
prefers gardens and apple-trees, but is not choice in the site for
a nest. It will build on fir-trees, against a wall on a grape-
vine, on apple and many other trees, but rarely, if ever, in
hedges.

The Magpie's nest is similar in its lower exterior to that of
the rook and the crow, but it is covered over with thorns, so
that access to the interior can only be had by two open spaces*

20

INTRODUCTION

Be kind to all — to waw, to beast.
Bird, Jish, worm, insect ; thus a feast
Of happiness will he partake,
And happy other beings make.

not very regularly marked, one on each side of its covering.
This covering is an irregular kind of lattice-work, formed of
thorns, and is evidently designed as a defence from some birds
of prey ; it is no shelter from the weather. The magpie always
builds a solitary nest, either in a thorn-bush or on some lofty
elm, and sometimes on an apple-tree j it does not often build
very near dwelling-houses, but a remarkable exception to this
I) as lately occurred in Somersetshire, at Huntspill : a magpie
vot only having bHilt its nest on a tree a very short distance
from a dwelling-house, but it occupied the saine nest two years
successively. We may be tolerably certain that this bird was
not disturbed during the first year, or it would not, most pro-
bably, have returned to the same nest a second time. I appre-
hend the magpie, as well as its neighbours, the rook and crow,
to be a very useful bird in the destruction of worms, of which it
partakes as food.

The House- Spaj row, as its name indicates, builds very often
beneath the eaves of the thatch, as well as of the tiles of dwell-
ing-houses. Its nest is composed of straw and feathers; it has
usually a hole for an entrance, similar to the wren's. The house-
sparrow is, however, no churl iu the choice of a site for a nest.
I once saw a house-sparrow's nest in that of a deserted magpie's
nest. They will sometimes take possession of the martin's
nest; and some curious facts have been stated concerning the
battles of these two very different birds. In the neighbourhood
of London, and indeed in Hoxton-square in London, the houset
sparrow's nest will be seen on the Lomhardy poplar; the only
kind of nest which I ever saw on that tree, — it does not seem a
favourite of any of the tribe of birds. Wilson informs us that

NEST OF THE SWALLOW, HAWK, WOOD-PECKER. 21

Teach him, all violence is wrong —
A truth as useful as it's strong :
He must not rob the Sons of Song,
Nay, that the birds should be as free.
As wisheth and expecteth He.

the Baltimore oriole builds also on it in the American towns.
The house-sparrow builds also very often in the ivy attached to
the walls of dwelling-houses : many nests of this bird were to
be seen among the ivy covering the front of a house in
Montpellier-row on Blacklieath, September 1825.

Swallows construct their nests externally of clay; they are
lined with straw and feathers. The favourite site of the swal-
low's nest is the interior and near the tops of chimneys j they,
however, occasionally build in other places. The Martin builds
its nest similarly to the swallow, but the entrance to it is more
confined : the usual place for martins' nests is under the eaves
of houses, particularly those whose walls are covered with
what is called rough cast , or in the corners of a stopped-up
window.

The Wood-Pigeon'' s nist is made with only a few sticks,
merely sufficient to retain the eggs; an extraordinary nest for
such a bird, when the iiabits of the domestic pigeon are consi-
dered. They generally build on trees. I have seen a wood-
pigeon's nest on a yew-tree; it is more frequently, I believe,
found on the elm or the fir.

Tiie Hawk's nest (Fulco tinnunculus) or Kestril, is similar to
the wood-pigeon's : I have seen it on an apple-tree.

The IVood- Pecker's nest is made in the trunk of some tree, a
hole in which the bird scoops out with his bill; the entrance is
round, and just large enough to admit the bird.

Several of our English birds make their nests on the ground:
among these may be named the Skylark^ the Partridge, the
■Redbreast^ &c. &c. ; and, of course, most of those having
pulmale feet, as the Duck, Goose, Swan, &.C.

22 INTRODUCTION^.

There^s no effect without a cause:
This one of Nature's wisest laws.
To be all which you may desire
Your child will certain things require :

Among the nests of foreign birds, that of the Taylor Bird
dfiferves especial mention: the bird itself is a diminutive one,
being little more than three inches long; it is an inhabitant of
India. The nest is sometimes constructed of two leaves, one of
them dead; the latter is fixed to the living one as it hangs upon
tlie tree, by sewing both together in the manner of a pouch or
purse : it is open at the top, and the cavity is filled with fine
down; and, being suspended from the branch, the birds are
secure from the depredations of snakes and monkeys, to which
they might otherwise fall a prey.

In Dr. Latham's collection is a specimen of the taylor bird's
nest, composed of a single large leaf, of a fibrous rough texture,
about six inches long independent of the stalk, five inches and
a half in breadth, and ending in a point. The sides of this leaf
are drawn together so as to meet within three-quarters of an
inch ; within is the nest, about four inches deep and two broad,
opening at the top; the bottom of the leaf is drawn upwards, to
assist in the support of it. This interior nest is composed of
white down, with here and there a feather and a small portion
of white down intermixed.

Another nest of this bird has also been described as composed
of several leaves, like those of some kind of hazel sewed toge-
ther ; the inner nest formed of dry bents, fibres, and hairs, sus-
pended from a tree. It is, therefore, probable that this bird,
as well as some others, varies the structure of its nest as occa-
sion and the materials may require. These singular works are
performed by the bird's using his bill instead of a needle, and
vegetable fibres for thread. We still want, however, more
information on this interesting subject. See the note on the
Taylor bird in Part II.

2

ESCULENT swallow's NEST, 23"

Fit circumstances must surround
Him, or your wishes he'll confound.
Crabs on the cherry do not grow,
Nor does the pine produce the sloe ;

The Rufous Bee-eater^ or Merops Rufus, constructs also a very
singular nest. This bird is a native of Buenos Ayres; the nest
is built generally on the naked great branch of a tree, some-
times on the windows of houses, a fence, or a projecting beam
ofa^high house or other building: it is composed of earth, In
the form of a baker's oven, and is often built in the short space
of two days, both birds being engaged in its construction ; it is
six inches in diameter, and one thick ; a division is within, be-
ginning at the entrance, and carried circularly, so that the eggs
are deposited in the inner chamber, on a bed of grass. The
swallow and other birds often attempt to obtain possession of
this nest; but are generally repulsed by the owners.

Many of the Orioles' nests are also deserving notice. The
Hack and yellow Oriole, (Oriolus persicus,) inhabiting South
America, has a pendent nest, shaped like an alembic j it is
affixed to the extreme branches of trees; sometimes, it is said,
io many as four hundred nests are found hanging on the same
tree. See the note on the Orioles in Part II.

The Philippine and Pensile Grosbeak make also very curious
nests. See the note on the Grosbeak, &c. in Part I.

In concluding this account of the nests of birds, of which
occasionally more will be found in the subsequent notes, I may
notice here tlie nest of the Hirundo esculenta, or Esculent Swal-
low, an inhabitant of China and the Islands of the Indian
Ocean. This nest consists of a gelatinous substance, in shape
resembhng an apple cut down the middle. Tiie nests are found
in great numbers together, and are by the luxurious Asiatics
made into broths, and otherwise cooked, and are esteemed
one of the greatest dainties of the table j they are also occa-
sionally used for glue.

24 INTRODUCTION".

All kindred things produce their kind ;
Thus is it with the human mind.
If you would wish him to be kind.
Impress kind conduct on his mind, —
Not by mere wordSy but let the deed
Of kindness done before him plead;
Chiefly the deed performed by you,
Which, seeing done, he'll wish to do.

You will, no doubt, some learning give,
And teach him in the world to live ;
But what he'll want, as much as sense.
Is active, warm Benevolence,
This will produce more happiness
Than all besides he may possess :
This teach him, and his little heart
Will kind impressions soon impart.
Thus will there in his bosom spring
Affection for each living thing;
And thus will be his friends* delight.
That beauteous boy of promise bright !

Seductive, Lady! is the theme!
Instruction, now a rushing stream,
O'erflows its banks on either hand,
And widely fructifies the land.
A goodly harvest may we see,
When all shall wise and happy be!

The nests of some of the American swallows are also curiouj.
See the note on the Swallow in Part I.

INTRODUCTION, 25

Meantime, one word should be impressed.
In letters large, on every breast :
It is most potent, and will well
Perform what can't the prison cell ;
What vengeance always fails to do —
It is, fair Lady! S'^en in you,—
Kindness: repeat the word again —
Kindness, — and thus I end ray strain.*

* '* It is necessary also to observe, in regard to the Formation
of the Human Character, that the mind for ever shrinks from all
attempts to force it into any mode of discipline or action ; that,
while it may be led by gentleness and argument almost any
where, the least appearance of force or violence produces revolt
and repugnance. So true is this, that it has led to the trite ob-
servation, that it is more easy to lead man wrongly than to drice
him right. This disposition, in the ignorant and uninformed, has
been frequently called obstinacy ; but it is, nevertheless, the re-
sult of a general law which we all obey. There is no other
effectual way of removing such obstinacy than by enlightening
the understanding, — imparting knowledge. And if this can be
done by shewing also tiiat we have tlie interest^ that is, the
happiness, of the individual at heart whom we are desirous of
persuading, we shall b^ more likely to succeed in the object at
which we aim." Soe my Liciureon the Nature and Operations of
the Human Mind. The minds of children appear to be operated
upon in a similar way to those of the adult, and, therefore, in their
education similar means must be adopted.

26 INTRODUCTION

The Natural History of Birds, or, as i( is now scien-
lifically termed, ornithology, needs little to recommend
it to those whose taste for simple pleasures is not vitiated.
The habits, manners, and modes of life of this interesting:
portion of the animal kingdom, have attracted the attention
of numerous nflfurrt//^*, who have, from time to time, re-
corded a variety of useful, instructive, and amusing facts
concerning it. Various artificial arrangements have also
been proposed, by which, it has been presumed, the science
of ornithology may be more readily and correctly ac«juired.
Among these, the arrangements of LiNNiEus, of Pennant, of
Latham, and of Vigors, deserve, it appears to me, the
most attention ; although those of Brisson, the Baron
CuviER, and of M. Temminck, are also entitled to respect.
Nor ought, perhaps, the name of John Ray, our own coun-
tryman, who flourished in the seventeenth century, as a dis-
tinguished naturalist, to be here omitted ; but we cannot
enter into a detail or examination of these last writers'
systems. As, however, that of Linn^us has obtained much
celebrity, is constantly referred to by our naturalists ; and
seems, besides, to have contributed much to the foundation
on which many, if not all, of the subsequent arrangements
of the Natural History of Birds have been built, it may be
useful to place an Epitome of it before the reader, premising,
that no artificial arrangement which has hitherto been made
public, how ingenious soever it be, will correspond exactly
with that which is found in Nature; but, that *ome arrange-
ment is nevertheless useful to facilitate this pleasing study,
will, it is presumed, be universally admitted.

The following are the Ordeus, Genera, and the Number
of the Species, described by Linn^us.

LINNEAN ARRANGEMENT.

27

ORDO I.

ORDER I.

AcciPiTREs. Hawks.

These have hooked bills, the snp^erior mandible near the base
1)eing extended on each side beyond the inferior ; and, in some,
it is armed with teeth.

Generum English Number

Nomina. Names, of species.

1 Vultur. Viiltiiie,(:ondor,8

C Eaiile, Falcon,

2 Falco, \ Hawk, Kite,

(_ &c. - 32

English Number

Names, of Species.

Owl - 12

Generum

Nomina,
o Strix
^ , . i Shrike, Bntch-
4Lanms. > erBird,&c. 26

ORDO \l.

ORDER II.

Pic^. Pies.

These have a compressed bill resembling a knife.
* Pedibus amhulatoriis — with feet formed for tvalking.

5 Trochilns. < ^V .

6 Certbia.

7 Upnpa.

8 Bophaga.

9 Sitfa.
10 OrioUis.

Huniming-

Creeper, 25
Hoopoe, 3
Beef-eater, 1
Nuthatch, 3
Oriole - 20

11 Coracias.

12 Gracula.

13 Corvus.

Holler . 6
Grakle - 8
r Kaven,Rook,
/ CroWjMag-
(_ pie, &c. ly

iA n 1- i Bird of Pa-
i4Parad.sea.> ,.^^j^^ .

** Pedibus Scansoriis — with climbing feet.

15 Ramphastos. Toucan - 1

16 Troffon. | Cnrncui,Eng-

19 Picas.

20 Ynnx.

21 Cnculns.

22 Bucco.

Woodpecker,

21

Wryneck, 1

Cuckoo - 22

Barbet - 1

17 Psittacus. Parrot - 47

18 Crotophaga.Ani - 2

* * * Pedibus gressoriis — with feel formed for leaping.

23 Bnceros. Horn-bill, 4 I 25 Merops. Bee-eater,

24 Alcedo. King-fisher, 15 | 26 Todus. Tody -

ORDO HI. ORDER III.

Anseres. Geese,

These have a smooth bill, broadest at the poiqt, covered with
a smooth skin, and furnished with teeth; the tongue is fleshy,
and the toes are palmated or webbed,

28

INTRODUCTION.

* Rostro denticulato — with a toothed bill.

Generum
Nomina.

27 Anas.

28 Mergns.

Generum
Nomina.
•29 Pliaeton.
30 Plotiis.

English Number

Names, of Species.
S Duck, Goose,
i Swan, &c. 45
Merganser, 6

* * Rostro edentulo — with a toothless bill

31 Rhyncliops. Skimmer, 2 36 Lariis.

32 Diomt'dea. Albatross, 2 37 Sterna.

33 Alca. Aiik - 5

34 Procellaria. Petrel - 6 38 Colymbiis

English Number

Names, of Species.

Tropic Bird, 2

Darter - 1

C PeIican,Cor-

35 Pelecanus.< morant,Gan-

i_ net, &c. 8

Gull - 11
Tern - 7
Diver,Grebe,
illemot,
- 11

rDiv.
.< Gu
C &c

ORDO TV. ORDER IV.

Grall^. Waders.

These have a somewhat cylindrical bill ; the tail is short, and
the thighs naked ; many of this tribe are distinguished by long
legs and long bills.

* Pedibus tetradacty lis— feet with four toes.

Flamingo,

39 Phcenicop- ^

terns 5

40 Platalea. Spoonbill,

41 Palamedea. Screamer,

42 Mycteria. Jabiru

43 Tantahis. Ibis

44 Ardea.

f Crane, He-
' — ^ Stork,

-^ ron,
( Bittern,&c.26
45 Recnrvi- K.^set . 1
rostra. 5

46 Scolopax

47 Tringa.

48 Fulica.

49 Parra.

50 Rallus.

51 Psopljia.

■{

Curlew,Wood-
cock,Snipe,
&c. - 18
C Sandpiper,
< Lapwing,
t &c. . 23
S Coot, Galli-
(^ nule, 6i:c. 7
Jacana - 5
Kail - 10
Trumpeter, 1
52 Cancroma. Boatbill - 2

* • Pedibus cursoriis tiidactyUs — with feet formed for running, —
three toed.

53 Haemat-

opus.
54 Otis.

^ S OysterCatch-

5 ^ er - 1

Bustard - 4

55 Charadrius

56 Struthio.

Plover.Dot-

terel, .!
Ostrich

•{ terel, &c. 12

ORDO V. ORDKR V.

Galling. Gallinaceous Birds.

These have a convex bill ; the superior mandible is vaulted
over the inferior j the nostrils are half covered with a convex

LINNEAN ARRANGEMENT.

29

cartilaginous membrane ; the feet are divided, but connected
at the inmost joint.

Gewrum
Nomina.

57 Didus.

58 Pave.

59 Mcleagris.

60 Crax.

61 Nuraida.

English Number
Names, of Specie^
Dodo - 1
Peacock, 3
Turkey - 3
Curagoa, 5
Guinea Hen, 1

Generum
Nomina.

English Number
Names, of Species.

i Pheasant,
62 Phasianus. < Cock,Hen,
(. &c. - 6
r Partridge,
•? Grouse,QuaiI,
C &c. - 20

63 Tetrao.

ORDO VI. ORDER VI.

Passeres. Sparrows.

These have a conical sharp pointed bill ; the nostrils are oval,
wide, and naked.

* Crassirostres — with thick bills.
r Finch, Ca- | 64 Loxia. Grosbeak«fec.48

65 Fringilla

•^

nary Bird,
&c. - 39
* Curvirostres-

67 Caprimiil.^cioat Sucker, 2
gus. ^

66 Eraberiza,
■with curved bills
68 Hirundo

BuntingjOr-
tolan. Sec, 24i

70 Turdus.

^ SwalIow,Mar-

^ tin, Swift, 12

69 Pipra. Manakin, 13

* Emarginatirostres — withemarginated bills.

r Thrush, Black- 71 Ampelis. Chatterer, 7
< bird. Field- 72 Tanagra. Tanager, 24
C. fare, &c. 28 73 Muscicapa. Fly-catcher,2l

* * * * Simplicirostres—with simple bills.

74 Motacilla.

{

Warbler,
Nightingale,
Redbreast,
&c. - 49

75 Parus.

76 Alauda.

77 Sturnus.

78 Columba.

Titmouse, 14
Lark - 11
Starling - 5
Pigeon - 40

The GENERIC CHARACTERS OF BiRDS are taken frotti the
peculiarities in the bill, the nostrils, the tongue, the feet, the
feathers, the face, the figure of the body, &:c.

The SPECIFIC CHARACTERS are very various ; they consist
in the colour of the particular feathers, or parts of feathers;
crests of feathers on the head disposed in different manners;
the colour of the cere or wax : the colour of the feet: the

30

INTRODUCTION.

shape and length of the tail ; the number, situation, &c. of
the toes; the colour and figure of the bill, &,c.

The VARIETIES of the same species are still farther dis-
tinguished by more minute and slighter shades of difforen«.e.

The limits to which I am restricted will not permit
me to name all the species which are arranged under each
genus of the preceding orders ; but an account of the most
striking species of each genus, as well as of those in the ad-
ditional genera of Dr. Latham, will be, nevertheless, found
in the subsequent Notes, so that it is hoped nothing of
importance in the Natural History of Birds has been
omitted.

It will now be necessary that we should advert to some
other arrangements.

Mr. Pennant classed Birds, first, into two grand divi-
sions— Land-Birds and Water-Birds. These he again
divided into nine orders, of which the Land-Birds formed
six,— namely. Rapacious ; Pies ; Gallinaceous ; Colum-
bine ; Passerine ; Struthious. The Water-Birds three,
—namely, Clove-Footed or Waders ; Pinnated Feet ;
and Web footed.

The number of genera in the Linnean arrangement is
seventy-eight; of Mr. Pennant's, ninety-five; of Dr.
Latham's, in the last edition of his work, 112*.

The system of Brisson is apparently, at least, more scien-
tific than any of the preceding ; the divisions arc more nu-
merous, and, therefore, less liable to exceptions. His first

* General History of BirdSy by John Latham, m.d. <&c. &c.,
in ten volumes, 4:to. with nearly two hundred plates. This intelli-
gent and venerable naturalist resides at Winchester : his work
has been for many years before the public; it has undergone^
from time to time, considerable iitoprovement.

ARRANGEMENT OF LATHAM. 31

divisions are two,— namely, Cloven-footed and Web-
footed. The first of these he divides into seventeen orders,
and eighty-five genera ; the second into 7iine orders and
twenty-eight genera. This system does not, however, seem
to have obtained much attention ; yet the number of the
genera nearly coincides with that of Dr. Latham, who ap-
pears to have followed and improved upon Mr. Pennant's
arrangement. His divisions and orders are similar in name
and number to those of Mr. Pennant ; but he, nevertheless,
differs from him in many particulars ; his genera are also
more numerous. The whole number of birds enumerated
by Linn/Eus specifically, is only 930, while those described
by Dr. Latham in his recently published work amount to
about 5000 ! And future discoveries must necessarily in-
crease them.

But it should be observed, that although Dr. Latham has
added to the number of the genera ; this addition arises in
part from his dividing some of the genera of Linnaeus into
two or more. Thus the genus Motacilla or Warbler, he
has divided into Motacilla or Wagtail, and Sylvia or
Warbler ; Tetrao or Partridge he has divided into three,
namely, Tinamus or Tinamou, Tetrao or Grouse, and
Perdix or Partridge; Struthio he has also divided into
four, — Struthio or African Ostrich, Casuarius or Casso-
wary, Didus or Dodo, and Rhea or American Ostrich ;
he has also divided the Snipk, Scolopax^ from the Curlew,
which he calls iVumcm'Mj ; he has, again, erected the Grebe,
Podiceps, the Gallinule, Gallinula, and the Guillemot,
Uria, into separate genera; he has also separated the
Phalarope, Phalaropus, from Tringa or Lapwing, &c.
Besides which, he has added other new genera, as will be
seen on reference to the following synopsis of his work.
In justice to Dr. Latham it ought to be stated, that there

32

iNTUODUCTlom,

has been latterly evinced, among our ornitliologists, a dispo-
sition to follow his alterations, which seen) more consonant
with the natural arrangement that it should be our
aim to discover and to exhibit. Whether the Quinary
system, hereafter to be noticed, will ultimately supersede all
other arrangements, remains yet to be seen. As, however,
the work of Dr. Latham is one of the most volurainious and
valuable that has ever been published on ornithology, and as
every student who desires to be deeply imbued with a know-
ledge of the science ought to consult it, a list of all the
names of the genera, and of the number of the species de-
scribed under each genus in that work, is here presented tt>
the reader in one view.

A SYNOPSIS OF DR. LATHAM'S LAST WORK
ON BIRDS.

The Latin names of the Genera, are supplred, in part,
from the Index Ornithologicus of Dr. Latham, and the
remainder from private information, kindly communicated
by Dr. L., from his MS. copy of a new edition of the
index not yet published.

AVIUM GENERA. GENERA OF BIRDS,
DIV. L DIVISION I.

AvEs Terrestres. Land Birds.

ORDO L
AcciPiTREs OR Rapacious.
Bill inciirvated, the upper mandible hooked, with an inden-
tation near the tip ; Nostrils, for the most part, open ; Feet
made for perching, strong, short ; Body, Head, and Neck,
muscular; Skin thick; Flesh impure; Food obtained by
rapine or preying on carrion ; Nest built on trees or elevated

ARRAl^GEMENT OF LATHAM.

33

places; Eggs generally four in number: Female larger:

monogamous.

Oenerum English Number of
Nomina. Names. Species.

Oenerum Enerlish Number of
Nomina. Names. Species.

1 Vultur. Vulture, 32

2 Falco. Falcon - 237

3 Strix. Owl - 83

4 Secietarius. Secretary, 1

ORDO ir. ORDER II.

Pic.^. * Pies.

Bill sharp edged, upper mandible convex : Feet made for
walking; sli rt, strong: Body somewhat tenacious; Flesh
impure : Food various : Nest on trees : the male feeds the fe-
male while sitting: monogamous.

* tVilh legs made for icalking.

5 Lanius. Sluike, 122
11 Buphaga. Beef Eater, 2

13 Miiso- } S Plaintain
phaga. \ X Eater, - 2

14 Calheas. Wattle Bird, 1

15 Corvus.

16 Coraeias.

17 Oriolns.

18 Gracnla.

Crow,
Roller,
Oriole,
Grakle.

Parrot,

19 Paradi- ) 5 P'lradisea

sea. 5 ( Bird,

30 Sitta. Nuthatch,

32 Upupa. Hoopoe,

34 Anthopha- ^ J Honey

71 gus. 5 \ Eater. 70

26 35 Certhia. Creeper, 102

% 36 Trochil„s. { "X""""
With climbing feet.

20
13

95

6 Psittacus.
^^^^f"-^^-} Toucan,

8 Momotus. Motmot,

9 Scythrops, [ ^''«""^*
12 Crotopha-

20 Trogon.

Bill,
An),
Curncui,

239
18

2

4
10

21 Bucco. Barbet,

22 Pogonius. Barbican

23 Polophilus.Coucal,

24 Phoenico- K^ n i

phaws. JMalkoha,

25 Ciicnlns. Cuckoo,

26 Yunx,

27 Picns.

28 Galbula

29

6

17

8
Wryneck, l

VFoodpecker, 91

* * * Feet made for leaping.
10 Bnceros. Horn-bill, 27 j 31 Todns.
29 Aicedo. King's-fisher, 60 j 33 Merops.

Jacamar,

Tody, -
Bee-eater,

29
40

ORDO in.

Passeres.

ORDER III.
Passerine.

Bill conic-acuminated: Feet salient, slender, cloven:
Body tender : in those which are granivorous the flesh is pure,
in others, feeding on insects, impure : Food obtained from trees,

D 3

34

INTRODUCTIOK.

as seeds, or insects : Nest curionsly constructed : the Food
put into the mouth of the young by the parents : mono«;amous :
many of these are songsters.

* With thick bilh,

41 Loxia. Grosbeak, 121 45 Phytoto- } „, ^ ,^

42 Emberiza. Bunting, 82 ma, 5 Plant-cutter, 2
44 Fringilla. Finch, - 150

* * With curved billsy the vpper mandible bent at the tip.
40 Coh'us. Coly, - 11
50 Pipra. Man akin, 43

52 Hirundo. Swallow, 66
* * * With bills, having the vpper mandible emarginated at the top.

38 Turdus. Thrush, 234 I 43 Tanagra. Tanai,'er, 61

39 Ampelis. Chatterer, 28 | A6 Muscicapa. FIy-calciier,177

* * * * Sim pie- billed, bill strait, integral, attenuated.

37 Sturnus. Starling, 37 49 Sylvia. Warbler, 298

47 Alauda. Lark, - 55 51 Parus. Titmouse, 38

48 Motacilla. Wagtail, 25

53 Capriraul- ) ^ . ,

"US ?Goat-sucker,40

ORDO IV. ORDER IV.

CoLUMBA. Pigeon or Columbine.

Bill rather strait, swelling at the base; Fert formed for
walking-, short ; Nails simple ; Body plump ; Flesh savoury;
Food grass, fruits, and seeds, swallowed whole; Nest ill con-
structed, placed in trees, hollows of rocks, &c. ; Eggs two
in number ; the mother feeds the young with grain made soft in
the crop, and ejected into their mouths ; monogamous.
54 Colutnba. Pigeon, 136

ORDO V. ORDER V.

Gallin.«. Gallinaceous.

Bill convex, the upper mandible arched over the lower,
having a convex cartilaginous membrane over the nostrils ;
Feet made for walking; Toes rough beneath; Body plump,
muscular ; Flesh savoury ; Food grain of all kinds, collected
from the ground and macerated in the crop; Nest made on
the bare ground without art; Eggs numerous; the young as

ARRANGEMENT OF LATHAM, 35

soon as hatched, take of themselves the food pointed out by the
parents; polygamous.

* fViih four toes.

6.5 Pavo. Peacock, 7

56 Meleagris. Turkey, - 2

57 Penelope. Gnan, - 11

58 Numida. Pintado, - 4

59 Crax. Cura9oa, - 8

60 Menura. Menura, - 1

* *

61 Phasianus. Pheasant, 24

62 Tinamus. Tinamou, 15

63 Tetrao. Grouse, - 27

64 Perdix. Partridge, 91

65 Psophia. Trumpeter, 3

With three toes.

66 Otis. Bustard, 17

ORDO VI. ORDER VI.

Struthiones. Struthious.

Bill subconic, strait, tip various ; Body shapeless, ponder-
ous, scarcely edible; Wings small, useless for flight, or none
visible ; Feet made forninning, strong; Toes various in num-
ber; Food grain and vegetables; Nest on the ground; mo-
nogamous.

• With four toes.

67 Didus. Dodo, - 3

* * With three toes placed forwards,

68 Rhea. Emeu, - 1 | 69 Casuarius. Cassowary,^ 3

* * * With two toes placed forwards.
70 Struthio. Black Ostrich, l

DIV. II. DIVISION II.

AvEs Aquatics. Water Biros.

ORDO VII. ORDER VII.

GRALLi£. Waders.

With cloven feet.
Bill sub-cylindric ; Feet cloven; Thighs half naked;
Body compressed; Skin very tender; Tail short; Flesh
savoury ; Food in marshy places, tish, marine insects, molluscee,
Sic.'t Nest chiefly on land, sometimes on trees ; mode of pair-
ing various.

36

INTRODUCTION.

With four toes.

71 Platalea. Spoonbill,

72 Palamedea Screamer,
72* Cariama. Cariama,
7S Mycteria. Jabirii,

74 Cancroma. Boat-bill,

75 Scopus. Umbre,

76 Ardea. Heron,

77 Kiodia. Erody,

78 Tanlahis. Ibis,

5 79 Nmnenius. Curlew, 15

2 80 Scolopax. Snipe, - 56
1 81 Tringa. Sand-piper, 76

6 85 Glareoia. Pratincole, 7
1 86 Rallus. Rail, - 27
1 87 Parra. Jacana, - 11

3 88 Gallinonla. Galiinule, 41
3 89 Vaginalis. Sheath-bill, 1

32 90 Cereopsic. Cereopsis, 1

* * IVith three toes plnccd forwards.

82 Cliaradrius. Plover, - 44 I 84 Hcemato- } ^ Oyster-

83 CuVsorins. Courser, ~ 4 j pus. ji \ catcher, 4

ORDO VIII.
Grall.^ Pinnatipedes.

ORDER VIII.
Waders with Pinnated
Feet.
Bill, Body, and Food, as in the former ; Feet made for
wading, naked more or less above the knees ; Toes cloven, but
pinnated or webbed the whole of their length ; Nest large, of
leaves, grass, or water plants, in moist grounds, and often close
to the water; monogamous.
91 Phalaro-

pus. I I'halaiope,
92 Pteropus. Fin-foot,

93 Fulica. Coot,

94 Podiceps. Grtbe, -

:>
15

ORDO IX. ORDER IX.

Palmipedes. Web-footed.

Pedibus loyigioribus, With long legs.

Bill various ; Body rather depressed, conic; the Flesh of

the young savoury ; Legs very long, made for wading ; Thighs

naked the greater part of the length ; Toes fiirnishe 1 halfway

with a membrane; Food obtained from the water, as small

fish and insects ; Nest placed on the ground ; monogamous.

^■' ".rr } '^vo.c, . 4 p^';';^r>'- 1 Flamingo. .
96 Corrira. Courier, - 1 j

Pedibus brevioribuSy IVith short legs.

Bill smooth, covered with a skin enlarged at the base ;
Feet made for swimming ; Shins short, compressed ; the Toes

ORDERS, GENERA, AND SPECIES. 37

united by a membrane; Body fat; Skin tenacious, covered
with excellent feathers; Flesh, for the most part, savoury;
Food water-plants, fishes, reptiles; Nest chiefly on the ground.

most part, polygamous.

98 Diome- > Albatross, 4

dea. > '

99 Alca. Auk, - 13

100 Uria. Guillemot, 6

101 Colymbus, Diver. - 9

103 Sterna. Tern, - 46

104 Larus. Gull, - 27

105 Procellaria. Petrel, - 30

106 Mergus. Merganser, 5

107 Anas. Duck, 145

108 Apten- J .
odytes. 5

109 Pelecanus. Pelican, 39

110 Phaeton. Tropic Bird, 4

111 Plotus. Darter, - 5

'uin, - 15

I

It may be here useful to the student to observe, that iu
the preceding arrangements, the Orders and Genera have
but one name for each, respectively; as, for example,
AcciPiTRES or tlie Hawks, and Falco or the Falcon genus.
Naturalists have, however, found it extremely convenient,
in describing the Species of each genus, to give the generic
and the specific name together, in order to that correctness
of identification, without which our science would be vague.
• Thus, to distinguish the Golden Eagle from others of the
same genus, but specifically different, it is called Falco
Chvysaetos, and so of all the rest of the tribe of Birds. This,
at first sight, might seem a cumbrous nomenclature, but, if
it bo examined without prejudice, its utility will bo, it is
presumcl, apparent. Indeed, in our Common Nomenclature
of Birds, wc have adopted, in part, a similar, yet by no
means so accurate, a method : thus we have the House
Sparrow and Hedge Sparrow, the Woodlark and Titlark,
the Water Rail and Land Rail, SiC. Sfc. Some additional
observations relative to this subject will be found in the
Preface, which see.

Having adverted to several systcmalic arrangements of

38 INTRODUCTION.

ornithology, it is quite necessary, in an elementary skntcli
like the present, to notice one still more recently promul-
gated by Nicholas Aylward Vigors, Esq. m.a. and f.l.s.,
in a paper by him in tlie tliird part of the I4th volume of
the Transactions of the Lirmean Society of London^ entitled,
" Observations on the Natural Affinities that connect the Orders
and Families of Birds;'' and also in several explanatory
papers since published in the Zoological Journal ; as well as
in his Lectures at the Zoological Society, of which he is,
at once, the eflicdcnt and learned Secretary.

In the first paper, Mr. Vigors, in allowing to our conti-
nental neighbours the chief merit of improving the science
of Zoology, observes, " Ihat Great Britain has made ample
amends for the tardy adoption of the more philosophical views
of the science in the masterly use to which she applied them
when once adopted, and the rapid strides by which she at
once, as it were, outstripped all previous research. It has
been reserved for one of her sons (Mr. W. S. Mac Leay)
to throw a new light upon the sphere of animated nature,
and to bring to view a principle that pervades all her works,
as beautiful as it is comprehensive. In the year 1819, the
enlightened author of Hora Entotnologicce (Mr. Mac Leay)
first called the attention of the lovers of the science to a
principle which he discovered in a minute group of insects,
and which, with a comprehensiveness of mind, and an accu-
racy of execution seldom united in an individual, he subse-
quently followed up through the whole range of animal life."

Mr. Vigors then refers " to the great revolution which
the publication of these principles has effected in Zoology.
The system which has been traced out with so much success,
by the author of Horce Entomologicoe, prevails in none more
conspicuously than in those of ornithology."

It appears that this new system depends upon what has

ARRANGEMENT OF VIGORS. 39

been called the Quinary arrangement of Nature. Anrl if it
shall indeed be found, upon subsequent and more extensive
investigation, that this arrangement exists absolutely in na-
ture, the discovery of it will be of infinite importance in all
our Zoological researches.

In accordance with these principles, Mr. Vigors proposes
to arrange the Birds in groups of fives, thus:

Pidibns constringentibus. C Raptores or Birds of Prey.
Birds endowed with feet form < Insessokes or Perching
ed for grasping. (^ Biros.

^ Rasores or Gallinaceous

Pedibus haud constrim^entibus. \ r^„^^^^' tt/ . ... ^

Bird.sendowodwMhtVeiiuca-.^^«|;['^^««^« «•• ^aoixg
pable of grasping.* i ^atatores or VVes-footed

^ Birds.

To understand more easily this arrangement, two dia-
grams (from Mr. Vigors* paper) are subjoined ; one of the
above families, and another of one of the subdivisions into
which Mr. Vigors proposes to arrange Birds. The six
primary orders of Linnajus are by Mr. Vigors converted
into five, by placing the Pice and Passeres together.
This has been done, as it appears, in accordance with na-
ture ; but Mr. Vigors quotes Cuvier as countenancing
this arrangement. " Malgre tous mcs efforts," says this
celebrated naturalist, ** il m'a ele impossible de trouver,
ni a Text^ricur, ni a l'int6rieur aucun caract^re propre k
separer des passcreaux ceux dcs genres compris parmi les
Piece <ic Linnaeus qui ne sontpas grimpeurs.'^

It will not be convenient to enter into minute details of
this arrangement here ; those who desire more information

* Although this is the general character of this division, yet
there will be found in it many exceptions. Some of the Ra-
sores, as well as Grallatores, perch, and consequently
grasp.

40 INTRODUCTIOlf.

concerning it will, of course, consult Mr. Mac Leay, and
the learned and luminous papers of Mr. Vigors before
mentioned. It may, however, be necessary lo premise in
reference to the first diagram, that one of the families,
the Raptores, is still incomplete ; this future inquiry may
probably fill up. It may also be mentioned here as a
singular coincidence, that Mrs. Barbauld, in a poem
written many years ago, expressly alludes to a quinary ar-
rangement of Birds in the following lines:

" Who the various nations can declare
That ploui;h with busy wing the peopled air ?
These cleave the crumbling bark for insect food;(Inses sores.)
Those dip the crooked beak in kindred blood ; {Raptores.)
Some haunt the rushy moor, the lonely yvoods ;(Grallatores.)
Some bathe their silver plumage in the floods ; (Natatores.)
Some fly to man, his household gods implore, (Rasores.)
And gather round his hospitable door.
Wait the known call, and find protection there,
From all the lesser tyrants of the air."

By this arrangement, ihc first division of the whole family
of Birds, consisting of Insessores, Raptores, Rasores,
Grallatores, and Natatores, might be considered as
Classes, the division of each of which into five might constitute
Orders ; and the division of each of these again into five
might constitute the Genera. So that, if the Raptores should,
by subsequent discovery, be completed, the Classes, according
to this arrangement, will be five; the Orders twenty five ;
and the Genera one hundred and twenty five.

It appears, however, that Mr. Vigors thinks, by his observa-
tions in his Lectures at the Zoological Society, the quinary
system is applicable to the more minute subdivisions of nature,
and that the genera and species, &c. will be found to correspond
in similar and continuous subdivision.

AIlHANGEMENT OF VIGORS.

41

The Arrangement of Birds
Proposed by l^iCHOL AS Aylwmw Vigors, Esq. a.m. r.L.s.

Deiiti' ConU
rostres. rostres.

JNSESSORES.

Fissi- Scan-

rostres. sores.

Teniiirostres.

Falco- Stri-
nidcB, gidcs,

RAPTORES.
VultU' — ?

ridcB.

_ 7

Pele-

La.

ridte.

Colum- Pha-
bida, sianida,

RASORES.

Cra- Tetra-

cidcB. onidcB,

Struthionidce ,
AVES. ^

Chara- Grui-
driadcB, da.

NATATORES.

Anatid<E'
AlcadcB,

Colymbidce.

GRALLATORES.

RallidcC' ArdeidcB'

Scolopacida.

Mr. Vigors divides the Falconida \nio five sub-families, thns:

Aquilina or the Eagle Tribe.

Accipitrina or the Hawk Tribe.

Falconimi or the Falcon Tribe.

Buteonina or the Buzzard Tribe.

Milvina or the Kite Tribe.
The whole of the IiNsessors as in the following diagranfi.

42 INTR0DUCTI05V-.

Arrangement of the Perchers bi/ Mr. Vigors.

Stur.
nidcc.

Cor-
tides.

CONIROSTRES.

Fringil.
lidcB,

Btice-
ridcB'i

JLoxiadce.

Mem-
lidce,

UENTIROSTRES

Pipri-
Lani- dee,

^idcB. Musci'

X^ capidfv

Sytvi. N^- ^ Ramphas-

adce, \ / tidce. PsUta-^

cidcb.

SCANSORES.

Cucu- Pici-

lidce. dee.

Certhi-

_ lidce.

NSESSORES.

Meti- Nccta-
phagida 7 riniadce f

Todida.

Haley-
onida.
FISSIROSTRES.

Capri' Merop.

mulgida. idee.

Hirundinidce.

TENUIROSTRES.

Prcmero- Cinny-

pidcE, ridcB. ,

TrochilidcB,

These he again subdivides into fives; among which we find,
as sub-families, Merulina or the Thhush Tribe; Oriolina or
the Oriole Tribe; Sylviana or the Warbler Tribe;
Alaudina or the Lark Tribe, &c. &c.

The following is the arrangement of the Insessores, or
Perchers, according to Mr. Mac Leay's plan of exhibiting
a series of affinities.

NOMENCLATURE OF VIGORS. 43

Normal Group.
Rostri pedisque structura magis ^ Dentirqstres.
perfect^. ( Conirostres.

Aberrant Group. ^ «

Rostri pedisque structure minus > /,?," -"'f'^s.
peifecta. i. Fissirostres.

Mr. Vigors then divides the Fissirostres, as will be
seen in the last diagram, as follows: — Meropidce ; Hirun-
dinidce ; Caprimulgidce ; Todidce ; Halcyonidce.

And he adds, " the families which compose this tribe are
distinguished from those of all the others, except the
Tenuirostres, by their habit of feeding on the wing. From
the latter, or suctorial birds, which meet them at one of the
extremes of the tribe, and of which the tjpical families
feed also on the wing, they are distinguished by their
animal food, which they take by their bills or in the gape
of their mouths ; while the Tennirostres live chiefly upon
vegetable juices, which they extract with their tongue. The
FissirostreSf depending so much on the powers of their wings,
exhibit a proportional deficiency in the strength of their legs.*'

There will not be much difficulty in converting the
terms proposed by Mr, Vigors (whose scientific tact
has been, in this respect, peculiarly and very happily exem-
plified) into English ones; a consideration to those who are
concerned in the introduction of a new nomenclature of the
first importance. Thus, of the five CLASSES, the R^ores
might be Rap'tors ; Insessores, Inses'sors ; Rasores,
Ra'sors ; Grallatores, Gralla'fors ; Natatores, Nata'tors.
The Quinary subdivisions or orders composing the Raptors^
may be Fal'conids, Vul'turids, Stri'gids, j the

Insessors, Den'tirosts, Con'irosts, Fis'siROsrs, Tenu'i-
ROSTS, and Scan'sors ; the Rasors, Colum'bids, Pha,-
sian'ids, Cra'cids, Tetraon'ids, and Struthion'ids ; the
Grallators, Charad'riads, Gru'ids, Ar'deids, Ral'uds,

44 liJTRODUCTlON.

and Scolopa'cids ; the JNatators, Lar'ids, Pelecan'ids,
Anat'ids, Al'cads, and Colym'bids. And, again, the genera
composing the Fissirosts may be Mer'opids, Hirun'dinids,
Caprimul'gids, To'dids, and Halcyon'ids, and so also of
all the other genera. The singular of any of the preceding
Viillof course be formed by the simple omission of the s.
Thus, should this new nomenclature very generally pre-
vail, it might ultimately supersede all other arrangements,
and obviate, in some degree at least, the difficulties which
present themselves to a beginner in the study of this branch
of Natural History. We could proceed even farther in
the use of the preceding terms : the minor might become
an adjective to the major: and Vultur id Raptor, Dentirost
Insessor, Phasianid Itasor, Scansor Insessor, or Cuculid
Scansor, ^c. may be aptly applied, and would convey at
once the generic and ordinal, or ordinal and classic con-
nection, mutatis mutandis.

It may be observed here as a curious fact, that by fur the
greater number of the Pie and Sparrow tribe in this
country, and perhaps elsewhere, generally lay five eggs ;
the Rook, the Crow, the Hedge- sparrow , Goldfinch, Black-
bird, Thrush, <^c. ^c. Those who are advocates of the
Quinary arrangement will doubtless advance this in cor-
roboration of the system.

T^igse then are the chief arrangements which offer as
most worthy of notice in the study of the Natural History
of Birds. It is greatly to be lamented that no one system
has yet appeared which, by its utility and simplicity, pro-
mises to supersede all others. It is however very probable
that the primary arrangements proposed by Mr. Vigors will
ultimately prevail; but ingenious as those arrangements
are, in an elementary work, like the present, it does not be-
come mc to adopt them to the exclusion of others which

ON THE STRUCTURE OF BIRDS. 45

have yet considerable liold of llie public mind. I must
content myself with exhibiting, I hope, a faithful sketch
of the science as it actually exists, rather than of what I
couid wish it to be.

I take leave of this part of my subject by cautioning the
student not to attribute too much importance to any system
of ornithology ; against devoting too much attention to the
means instead of the end, which, of course, is the acquisition
of the hiotvledge oftheforms^ colours, habits, songs, and man-
ners, of Birds ; and lest, in so doing, he should incur the
censure of St. Pierre, " Nos ornilhologistes, enchaines par
leur methodes, ne songent qu"* a grossir lew catalogue, et ne
conoissent, dans les oiseaux, que les paltes et le bee. Ce nest
point dans les nids q\C ils les observent, mais ct, la chasse et
dans leur gibeciere.*

From the limits to which T am confined, it will be quite
impossible to enter into a minute description of the anatomy
of Birds; but it may be observed generally, that their
different structures admirably correspond to the very differ-
ent functions for which they are adapted. The palmate
feet of the Water-birds enabling them to move on and in
that element with dexterity ; the wings of many of the land
Birds, particularly of the Eagle, the Pigeon, and Swallow,
enabling them to take swift and long flights with the
greatest ease ; while again, those whose chief characteristic
is running, such as the Ostrich or struthious tribe, have their
legs and feet well adapted for such purposes, their wings
being comparatively of little use. While others again, such
as many of the Waders, and some of the Perchers, both fly
and run with considerable speed-

One of the chief characteristics of Birds is, of course, the

* Etudes de la Nature, torn, iii., page 506, Hamburgh edit. 1797.

2

46 INTRODUCTION.

coverings of Feathers. Of these there are three kinds,—
the Down, most abundant in the aqualio tribes, partieularly
the Duck, Goose, Eider Duck, ^c; — the small feathers,
which fall over each other like the tiles of a roof, and thus
conduct away the water; — and the quills; these last form
the wings and the tail, the largest of which, in the win<?-,
are called primary, and are ustially about eight or ten in
number; the smaller are termed secondary ; and the smallest,
by some naturalists, are called tertial. From the first kind,
the primaries, most of our writing pens are obtained ; and, it
may be mentioned, that these vary much in their sliape and
size, so that those conversant with the quills of Birds, ge-
nerally know and esteem the third quill for a writing pen as
the best ; it being one of the longest and largest.

The feathers of birds are, in general, renewed annually ;
the process of renewal, termed moulting, takes place, it \&
said, generally during the autumn and winter; and, by the
return of spring it is completed, and the plumage looks
fresh and beautiful. It is also in some birds considerably
altered in colour at certain seasons, particularly that in
which the operation of procreation takes place; so that,
without an acquaintance with the fact, the birds would not
at such times be at all recognized as the same seen at
another season ; and, generally, it may be stated that the
plumage of all birds, in European climates at least, is most
vivid, intense, and striking, in the s|)ring, as if nature de-
signed that the season of love should be that in which health,
vigor, and beauty, may at once predominate.

Some of the annually migratory birds, such as the Night-
ingale, Mr. Sweet informs me, moult twice in the year,
Uiimely, in spring and autumn: the reason for this would
seem to be, that as such birds take, most probably, long
flights, both at their coming and departure, their feathers

ON THE ANATOMY OF BIRDS. 47

arc then in the best condition for such jonrnies. But on
tills subject, as well as on numerous others in Natural
History, we want a record of more observed facts relative
to Birds in their Natural State.

The moulting season, however, of Wild Duclis, Wild
Geese f Teals, Widgeons, and other water fowl, seems to be,
by an act of parliament relative to these Birds, (10 G. 2, c,
32,) from June 1 to October 1 ; and, certainly, it appears
more natural and agreeable to the bird that its feathers
should be shed when the weather is warm than at any other
period. The time in which this process takes place may be,
and frequently is, considerably altered by art and do-
mestication.

Birds are sometimes, during this natural process, very
much indisposed ; at least those in confinement are so.
The bird-catchers of London have a method of producing
an artificial moulting of Birds, by sliutting them up in a
dark cage for a month, with little or no food, closely wrapt
up in woollen, allowing their dung to remain to increase
the beat. This process is called stopping. By it, 1 un-
derstand, many a suffering bird is destroyed ; but, it is said,
the song and plumage of those v\ho survive are much im-
proved by the operation. Words are inadequate to desig-
nate the cruelty and folly of such practice.

As connected with the feathers of Birds, it may also be
appropriate to observe here, that they have a glaiKl, or rather
two glands, united by one excretory duct, on the rump,
about which grows a small tuft of feathers somewhat like a
painter's pencil. In these glands is secreted a mucous oil,
which can be pressc<l out by the bill of the bird. Whenever
therefore the feathers are discomposed, the bird, turning its
Ijead backward, catches hold of the glands with its bill, and
forces out the oil, with which it anoints the feathers, and

I

48

INTRODUCTION.

replaces tbem in due order. Domestic birds are not fur-
nished with so large a portion of this fluid as those which
live in the open air. The feathers of the former are pervious
to every shower, while Swans, Geese, Ducks, and all those
which live upon the water, have their feathers dressed with
the oil from the first day of leaving the shell: where this oil
abounds, it usually renders the bird rank, and sometimes
very unpalatable as food.

Thomson, in his Spring-, thus alludes to this oleous
unction :

** Hiish'd in short suspense,
The plumy people streak their wings with oil,
To throw the lucid moisture trickling off,
And wait the approaching sign to strike at once
Into the general choir."

These oleous glands become sometimes diseased and tu-
mefied; the complaint is commonly denominated ihe Pip.
Tt is generally remedied by a simple puncture, by which
the collected fluid mny be dischurged.

The Bones of birds vary in many particulars from those
of the mammalia. The chiff dilforcnce, however, is,
that of the Sternum or breast-bone, which covers not
only what is called, in the mammalia, the thoracic viscera,
but also a considerable portion of the rest of the intestines.
This bone, in all the birds which fly, is distinguished by a
long ridge or keel, to M'hich muscles may be and are at-
tached, to facilitate their flight ; that this keel is for such
purpose there can be no doubt, as in birds which do not fly,
the Ostrich for instance, the keel in the sternum is altogether
wanting. The cervical vertebrae are also much more nu-
merous in birds than in the mammalia, arising, of course,
from their greater length of ncctejg. And the rings in the

ON THE SENSES OF BIRDS. 49

Tracbca, which in man do not amount to twenty, in the
Ostrich lately dissected at the Zoological Society, it was
about four feet long, and the rings in it were more than two
hundred. The sternum in the Ostrich is not only without
the keel, but it is exceedingly small when compared to its
size in that of other Birds.

Although Birds have only two legs, yet the bones of their
wings, when examined anatomically, correspond in a grea
degree with the fore limbs of many of the mammalia. It is
chiefly in their use and covering that they difler from qua-
drupeds and man. But the bones of Birds differ in another
particular, namely, they are most of them hollow, and have
communication with the air cells in their bodies, by which
they are rendered more buoyant.

Birds have no external ears, a few of the Owl tribe ex-
cepted, although their organs of AeariV/^ are, beyond question,
acute, as their various notes and modulations of sound
sufficiently evince. It has, however, been supposed, that
they have no idea oi harmony, as they never sing in concert;
they nevertheless imitate sounds with gfeat facility; so much
so, indeed, that Mr. Barring ton (see below,) thinks aZZ the
notes of song birds are imitations. It is chiefly, I appre-
hend, on this sense, and on that of sight, that birds depend
for their safety and preservation. The touch, taste, and smell,
being in the generality of the tribe of a secondary order.

The organ of smell is said in the Gannet to be wanting;
but, in most birds, there is no reason to think that the
organ is absent; jet, notwithstanding it has been generally
supposed that this sense is active in the rapacious tribes,
particularly the Vulture, some late observations seem dis-
tinctly to show that, in the pursuit of his prey, the Vulture
is guided by his sight rather than by his smell. Still there
is reason to believe, that many of the rapacious tribe are

D

50 INTRODUCTION.

assisted in discovering their prey by the sense of smell. See
forwards an anecdote of the Eagle related by Mr. Brookes.
While the touchy taste, and smell, of Birds generally, are
certainly not of the first order, their sight Is extremely
acute. The Hawk, and others of the Falcon genus, can, at
M considerable distance, discern an animal, a lark, or a
mouse, upon the ground, and pounce upon it with celerity
and certainty.

Anatomists have, it is said, observed in the eye of Birds a
particular expansion of the optic nerve, which renders the
impression of visible objects more vivid and distinct. To
protect the eye, and, perhaps, also to moderate its extreme
sensibility, this organ is furnished in many birds with what
is called a nictitating membrane, with which the bird can,
at will, cover the pupil of the eye while the eyelids remain
open ; and hence the Eagle, and some other birds, are
enabled to bear, by the assistance of this covering, the
strongest light of the sun.

Birds have neither epiglottis, diaphragm, urinary bladder,
nor scrotum.

The lungs, which are two red, oblong, spongy bodies,
attached in the thorax chiefly to the spinal column, are
not divided inlo lobes ; they are covered with a membratie,
or pleura, which communicates by many openings with
large vesicles or air bags, that are dispersed over the ab-
domen as well as the thorax. By these, birds can, at plea-
sure, render their bodies more buoyant, and thus ascend to
a considerable height, or skim along in the air wilh a celerity
that far outstrips the swiftest steed. The cavity of the
thorax of birds is much larger in proportion than that of
other animals, much of which is not filled with the lungs,
but with air. This, and the thin porous nature of their
bones, many of which are filled with air Instead of marrow,

ON THE BLOOD— STOMACH. 51

and in several instances communicate directly with the
hings, add, of course, to their facility of flight. Even the
bones of tlie Ostrich, although this bird cannot fly, are
hollow^ 5 and he is also furnished with air vesicles similar
to other birds, which, notwithstanding he cannot leave the
earth, enable him, by the assistance of his powerful and
muscular legs, to run with astonishing swiftness. Mr.
Green informed us in his Lectures <m the comparative ana-
tomy of Birds at the College of Surgeons, (April, 1827,) that
in young birds a medullary substance was often observable
in the bones, but that, as they grew up to maturity, it be-
came absorbed, and the bone empty.

It may be stated, too, that the blood of Birds is generally
of a brighter colour, and warmer, than that found in the
mammalia, and that it circulates with much more rapidity.
While the Horse has about forty pulsations in a minute,
man from seventy to eighty, in Birds they vary from one hun-
dred to one hundred and ten. From the extreme mobility
and activity of Birds, it would seem that they are more
highly oxygenated than other animals ; in addition to which
it may be mentioned, that Birds consume more food in pro-
portion to their size, in a given period, than any other race
of animals.

Perhaps, however, one of the most striking peculiarities
in the anatomical structure of Birds is the stomach. In those
whose food consists principally of grain and seeds, the
stomach is cartilaginous, and covered with very strong mus-
cles: in this state it is called a gizzard. This structure
is necessary, in order that, by its strong action, the food
should be comminuted ; but, besides this, birds with such
stomachs pick up and swallow, occasionally, small gravel
stones, which assist the process of comminution. In a state
of nature, the quantity of gravel taken in is regulated, no

52 INTRODUCTION,

doubt, by the seusation of the stomach ; but in domesticated
animals this faculty is sometimes deranged. Young Ducks
have been known to take so much gravel as to produce
death.

On the contrary to those Birds that are carnivorous or
piscivorous, a membranaceous stomach is given, which
more resembles that of carnivorous quadrupeds; the di-
gestion of such Birds being more accelerated by the gastric
juice than by the action of the stomach itself.

Those Birds belonging to the first class digest or retain
every substance taken in ; and those which eject or disgorge
innutricious matter unavoidably taken in, such as feathers,
fur, bones, &c. belong to the second class, conspicuous in the
Eagle and Owl tribes, and those also that feed on fish.
The innutricious matter, termed CastingSy which is ejected
by Eagles, Owls, &c. descends most probably no farther
than the crop in which the nutritive from the innutritive
portion of the food is separated.

It ought also be mentioned, as a remarkable fact, that
the rapacious birds seldom or never drink. Eagles, Hawks,
and Owls, were kept by Colonel Montagu for years
without tasting water.

Besides the stomach, most Birds have a membranous
sac, capable of considerable distension ; it is usually called
a Crop, (by the scientific Ingluvies,) into which the food
first descends after being swallowed. This bag is very con-
spicuous in the granivorous tribes immediately after
eating. Its chief use seems to be to soften the food before
it is admitted into the gizzard. In young fowls it becomes
sometimes preternaturally distended, while the Bird pines
for want of nourishment. This is produced by something in
the crop, such as straw, or other obstructing matter, whTcti
prevents the descent of the food into the gizzard. In suoli

ON THE CROP OF BIRDS. 53

a case, a longitudinal incision may be made in the crop, its
contents removed, and, the incision being sewed up, the
fowl will, in general, do well.

Another curious fact relative to this subject was stated by
Mr. Brookes, when lecturing on Birds at the Zoological
Society^ May 1827. He had an Eagle, which was at
liberty in his garden : happening to lay two dead rats,
which had been poisoned, under a pewter bason, to which
the Eagle could have access, l)ut who nevertheless did not
see him place the rats under it, he was surprised to see,
some time afterwards, the crop of the Bird considerably
distended; and finding the rats abstracted from beneath the
bason, he concluded that the Eagle had devoured them.
Fearing the consequences, he lost no time in opening the
crop, took out the rats, and sewed up the incision: the
Eagle did well and is now alive. A proof this of the acute-
ness of smell in the Eagle, and also of the facility and safety
with which, even in grown Birds, the operation of opening
the crop may be performed.

The rapacious Birds, and some others not granivorous, have
also crops, but they vary considerably in form, and, of
course, in size. The crop of the Pigeon is peculiar, con-
sisting of two divisions; the secretion in which, at certain
times, is not less peculiar than its structure. It appears
that, as soon as the joung Birds are hatched, a whitish-ash-
colourcd fluid is there secreted, both in the male and fe-
male, in abundance, with which they feed for some time the
young before they feed them with grain ; so that, although
Pigeon^s milk would be considered a solecism, yet this fluid
seems to be very much like milk in its properties. The
Pigeon, when at maturity, is, perhaps, the most purely gra-
nivorous of all the tribes of Birds. But many of the grani-
vorous Birds feed their young with insects and worms. In-

54 I'NTRODUCTION.

deed, there are very few Birds, generally esteemed grarii-
vorous, that are wholly so. The common Cock and Hen,
although devouring much grain, devour also many worms
and flies ; and, unquestionably, if left to themselves, would
direct the attention of their young to such food. And
although the chicken of the common hen will pick up and
digest grain, yet, it may be stated, generally, that animal
food is most suitable to very young birds. The reason for
this is apparent : animal food most readily assimilates with
the fluids of their bodies with the least eff'orts of the digestive
powers. In this respect, therefore, birds do not difler very
essentially from the mammalia.

In connexion with this subject, it may be mentioned here,
that, in most birds, the canal between the crop and gizzard
enlarges considerably before it opens into the last-named re-
ceptable : this enlargement is named the Proventriculus ;
its shape varies greatly in difi"erent birds; but, in all, it con-
tains numerous glands, in which is secreted an acid liquor
that mixes with the food, and, doubtless, greatly assists the
process of digestion ; and is of course analogous to, if not
identically the same as, the gastric juice found in the stomach
of the mammalia.

The structure of the trachea of birds is also, particularly
in those of the songsters, peculiar ; there being a larynx both
at the top, or opening, into the mouth, and another at the
bottom, just before the trachea separates into two divisions,
to communicate with the right and left lung ; it is in the
lower larynx that the chief arrangement is found by which
those varieties and niceties in sound are produced, so
beautifully exemplified in the notes of our singing birds,
and for which it is so ingeniously and curiously
adapted, but which it is not necessary here to describe.
The trachea is also, in some others of the tribe, pe-

THE LIVER, absorbents; HABITS. 55

culiar in another respect. See the account of the Demoiselle
Heron, note 23, Part I.

The liver is largest in those birds whose respirator^' organs
are the least; hence Mr. Gkeen, in his Lectures at the
College of Snrgeo7is before alluded to, conjectures that the
office of that viscus, (not only in birds, but also in the mam-
malia,) besides its known one of secreting the bile, is to
effect tome material change in the blood, and, thence, he
considers it as a subsidiary or ventral lung.

The absorbent vessels in birds arise from the villous coat
of the intestines in a similar way to those in the mammalia.
Here again, Mr. Green thinks, that they give out their
contents to the blood not only by means of the thoracic duett
but also by many other communications which they have in
diflferent parts of the body with the veins.* . .

There is no doubt, however, that the foocl as well as the'
natural habits of birds may be greatly altered by domestica-
iion, as well as other causes ; when a corresponding change
in the structure of the stomachmay be presumed, and has been
occasionally observed. Eagles have been. supported wholly
on bread. Mr. Southey informs me, that some lads having
taken a young Owl in the neighbourhood of Keswick Lake,
they fed him with fish, which he liked well and throve
upon. Mr. Southey thinks this fact indicative of the same
sympathy or kindred likings as those of the cat; — both it is
well known feed upon mice. The youths living beside the
lake, and being fond of fishing, they could take small perch

* This was mentioned by Mr. Green in his Lectures,
chiefly for the purpose of exciting attention to the conjecture ;
namely, that not only in birds, but also in man, the absorbents
pour their contents into the blood by many other communications
with it, besides that directly of the thoracic duct.

56 INTRODUCTION.

in any quantity, and thus it happened that the Owl, for con-
venience, was fed upon this diet.

Besides such changes in their food produced by domesti-
cation, other changes from ihe same cause may be occa-
sionally observed. Some of the song birds will sing at night
if placed in considerable light. This may be seen exempli-
fied in some of the bird-shops of the metropolis, where, fre-
quently, not only in the spring, but also in the month of
November, (I have heard them on the 20(h of this last
month,) many of the song birds are as lively and harmonious
at nine o'clock at night as in any part of the day.

Eirds, having no urinary bladder, as above stated, do
not eject the tluid secreted in the kidneys, in the same way
as the mammalia, they having no organ for such purpose.
The kidneys in birds are considerably elongated, and much
larger in proportion to their size than those in the mamma-
lia j this enlarged size has been supposed necessary in con-
sequence of there being little or no transpiration by the skin,
much of the fluids which pass off by this process in the
mammalia, passing off in birds, it is supposed, by means
of the kidneys; but the secretion from these glands is dis-
charged directly from them into the rcetum, and thence
ejected with the fajces, over which it may be seen, a
whitish substance, that afterwards assumes a chalky appear-
ance. The Ostrich has, however, it is sai<l, a sort of
urinary bladder.

The manner in which birds sleep may also be noticed.
The Pie and Sparrow tribe, denominated by Mr. Vigors
Insessores or PercherSj usually sleep standing on one leg
upon some tree, bush, or other elevation, with the head
turned behind, and the bill thrust under the feathers on the
back, or under the wing. Indeed, these appears to be the
general habits of the whole race of birds in regard to their

ON THE SLEEP OF BIRDS. 57

mode of resting and sleep : for the Duck and Goose, although
they do not perch, will frequently sleep standing on one leg
upon the ground, with their heads turned round, and the bills
under the wings. The common Cock and Hen, although
they invariably perch, if a perch can be obtained, do not,
when sleeping, rest usually on one leg, but they sink down
with their bodies upon the perch, having their legs com-
pressed under them. The common Field Lark sleeps upon
the ground with his legs also similiarly compressed. It is
probable also, that all the tribe of birds, even thePerchers,
occasionally sink down with their bodies resting on the
perch during their soundest sleep. And^ what is very re-
markable in tho structure of their feet and legs, the greater
the weight upon the muscles, the more firmly the claws
grasp whatever they lay hold of; hence the cause that
birds do not fall down in sleep although most of their senses
are dormant.

The motion of the branches of trees produced by the
wind increases, doubtless, the disposition for sleep in many
birds ; this may be exemplified in the Common Fowl; for
placing its bill under the wing, even in broad daylight,
and swaying it to and fro in the hand for a very short time,
will produce sleep: a beautiful proof of the adaptation of
birds to the function.

Most of the tribe of birds sleep during the night; but
there are many exceptions to this. Owls in particular are,
during the night, much more active than in the day ; their
sight, similar to that of cats, appears to serve them best in
the dark. Many of the Dvck tribe are not only wakeful,
but feed during the night; so also do the Goat-suckers.
The Nightingale^ and a few other song birds, are also
wakeful while in song, during, at least, some portion of the
night ; and even the Cuckoo will be occasionally found a

58 INTRODUCTION.

nightly songster, although much more rarel)* so than the
Nightingale.

It should be noted, too, that in almost every species, the
male is peculiarly distinguished from thefemale, so that those,
<onversant with the subject, readily know the one from the
other. The males of many of the tribe have more gaudy
and vivid colours on their plumage ; the male is also very
often larger than the female. Tiiis may be strikingly seen
in the Common Cock and Hen, the Turkey, and the Pheasant.

In the rapacious tribes, on the contrary, the female is
generally larger than the male. Wilson informs us that
the female of the Strix Virginianus, or Great Horned
Owl, is four inches longer tlian the male j and in some of
the Falcon genus the difference is more considerable than
this.

Sometimes, however, these distinguishing marks are by
no means so apparent. 'J he Cock Blackbird is known
chiefly by his intensely yellow bill, and the superior black jet
of his plumage. The distinction between the Hen and Cock
Thrush is not very strongly marked ; and that of the Cock
and Ben Pintado, or Guinea Fowl, is so slight, that
nothing but close observation will ascertain it. This last
bird is a native of Africa, and although domesticated in
this country, it rarely, if ever, acquires the habits and do.
cility of the Domestic Fowl. The female, if left to herself,
invariably seeks some place for her nest distant and apart
from the rest of the poultry ; and, what is very remarkable,
she deposits her eggs on the bare ground. This bird
does not conform itself in its habits to climate like some
others ; hence, in England, it is a very bad protector of its
own offspring.

The pairing of birds is also a subject which deserves at-
tention in their Natural History. While some are mono-

6

ON THE PAIRING AND INCUBATION OF BIRDS. 59

gamous, and of course pair, others are ^polygamous, and
never, unless compelled, confine themselves to individual
association.

All the rapacious tribes belong \o the monogamous class ;
the same may be said of the Perchers ; the Pigeon tribe
are also generally monogamous ; so also appear to be all
llie strutkious class; but the aquatic birds and leaders vary
in this respect ; some are monogamous; others polygamous.
The gallinaceous tribe are generally polygamous. Although
the puerile notion that birds pair on Valentine's day in this
country is not, of course, entitled to the slightest credit, yet
there is no question, however, that about that period, or
sooner or later in the spring, many birds cease their grega-
rious association, and meet only in pairs for the performance
of the important office of incubation and rearing their
young. Whether this association in pjiirs continue for
more than one season by the same birds does not appear to
be yet accurately ascertained. The Cuckoo is also said to
be a pol}gamist; but we do not jct know sufficient of the
habits of this bird.

There is one other fact relative to the change in the plu-
mage of birds which may be mentioned here, namely, that
sometimes the female assumes the feathers and appearance
of the male bird ; this has been noticed in the Common
Hen, the Pea-hen, and a lew others ; and as this change
has been most commonly observed in old birds, it has been
attributed to age alone ; but some late observations tend
to prove that the change arises from some disease of the
genital organs in female birds : for some young female
birds have also been observed with male feathers ; and
dissections in ail prove the diseased state of those organs. '

Although the Periods of the Incubation of Birds are
generally pretty regular, they are by no means exactly so,

60 INTRODUCTION.

considerable variations having been observed in thera when
opportunities have been taken, or have occurred, for such
notice.

It appears that, when Turkies have sat on the eggs of
the Heuy the duration has been from seventeen to twenty-
seven days ; the same bird on i(s own eggs from twenty-
six to twenty-nine days. Hens sat on Ducks' eggs from
twenty six to thirty-four days; on their own eggs from
nineteen to twenty-four days. Ducks have sat from
twenty-eight to thirty-two days. Geese from twenty-nine
to thirty-three days. Pigeons from seventeen to twenty
days. It is extremely probable that extended observation
will shew still greater irregularities in the various periods
of the Incubation of Birds, which seem to increase in du-
ration in proporlion to the size of the bird: while the
Ostrich and Swan require six weeks, and the solitary Dodo,
it is said,*€j;en, to complete the process, the Humming-bird
takes only about twelve days.

There can be little douLt that an equability of warmth is
one of the essentials in the due process of incubation.
Where the Hen frequently leaves her nest and the eggs ex-
posed, or where the nrst itself is in an unshellered situation,
the process is very often retarded, sometimes, indeed, ren-
dered wholly unproductive. Young mothers are generally
worse managers of their eggs and Iheir yonng than those
who have had more experience ; in this not differing from
the human subject!

Although the number of eggs which both domestic and
wild birds lay before thoy are diposed to sit upon them,
provided they are not disturbed, is generally pretty regular,
yet that number may be considerably increased by removing
the eggs as they are laid, leaving one or more in the nest.
In domestic fowls this has been so well ascertained, that a

ON THE YOUNG 01? BIRDS. 61

Hen will lay one every day for many weeks provided one
only be left in the nest, although, if left to herself, she
usually sits upon about fifteen. And Ray* informs us,
on the authority of Dr. Lister, that a Swallow, whose
usual number is about five, having the eggs subtracted in a
similar way, laid nineteen successively and then gave over.

Young birds, when hatched, are of two kinds: one has
down upon the body, the eyes open, and will pick up its
food almost immediately on leaving the shell ; such are
the young of many or most of the aquatic tribes, and those
of the Hen, Pheasant, Partridge, &c. ; the mother by
quaking or clucking calling the young's attention to its
food : the nests of such birds are usually on the ground.
The other kinds (those for the most part who.«e nests are
built on some elevation) are completely naked and the
eyes closed ; these require to be fed by the parent bird for
two, or sometimes more, weeks. The ea^^erness with
which these all rear up their heads and open their mouths,
upon the least disturbance of the nest, is truly astonishing.
They however soon become covered with feathers ; from
one to two weeks are, in general, a sufficient time to render
them full fledged and able to fly. During this period they
are, of course, often covered by the parent bird. The first
kind ^re hived by the mother, for some time, very often during
the day, and, of course, during the night ; and afterwards, at
longer intervals, for two, three, and sometimes more weeks,
according to the more or less genial warmth of the season.
It may be mentioned too that many of the useful or
harmless tribe of birds have often tvt^o, sometimes more,
broods in a season ; and that their eggs are commonly more
or less numerous— the Hens, the Ducks, the Partridges, &c.
are peculiarly so ; w bile the eggs of the more rapacious

♦ Wisdom of God manifested in the works of Creation.
8vo. 1719, page 119.

62 INTRODUCTION.

tribes are generally few, and hence the increase of sucli
birds is considerably more restricted.

Dr. Prout found the specific gravity of new laid eggs to
vary from 1080 to 1090 ; that eggs on being kept some time
became specifically lighter than water, owing to the substitu-
tion of air for a portion of the water which escapes ; that an
egg exposed for two years, to ordinary circumstances, lost
nearly two-thirds of its weight ; that an egg loses about one-
sixth of its weight during incubation; a quantity amounting
to eight times as much as it loses under ordinary circum-
stances. Although, in the size and colours of eggs of the
same species, there is a general conformity, yet differences
occasionally occur ; in some of the titmouse and tail tribe,
whose eggs are usually variegated with spots, they have
been seen perfectly white.

There is a very simple, yet I believe not very generally
known, method of ascertaining the vitality of an egg. If, on
applying the tongue to the larger end of it, warmth be felt,
the egg may be presumed alive and good ; if cold, the con-
trary, dead and bad.*

It should be also observed, that although the eggs of birds
vary considerably in taste, and some are much more palatable
and agreeable than others, yet none of them appears to be
absolutely unwholesome as food.

In closing this short account of the incubation of birds,
a singular fact must be adverted to which was first brought
into public notice by Mr. Yaruel, a gentleman to whom
the public, as well as myself, are highly indebted for the

* On my boiling inwater,forafew minutes, the egg of a Guinea
Hen, [Numida Meleagris,) which had been kept for ihe long
period of six or seven years, the egg exploded with a report
similar to that of a loud pistol : occasioned, no doubt, by the ex-
pansion of gaseous matter, arising from the decomposition of fhe
contents of tlie egg.

ON THE INCUBATION — FLIGHT OF BIRDS. t)3

communication of many interesting particulars concerning
birds. Some of these will be found in his papers in the
second volume of the Zoological Journal. The fact to which
I allude is, that there is attached to the upper mandible of all
young birds about to be liatched a horny appendage^ by
which they are enabled more effectually to make perfora-
tions in the shell, and contribute to iheir own liberation.
This sharp prominence, to use the words of Mr. Yarrel,
becomes opposed to the shell at various points, in a line
extending throughout its whole circumference, about one
third below the larger end of the e^^ ; and a series of per*
forations more or less numerous are thus effected by the in-
creasing strength of the chick, weakening the shell in-a
direction opposed to the muscular power of the bird: it is
thus ultimately enabled, by its own efforts, to break the walls
of its prison. In the common fowl, this horny appendage falls
off in a day or two after the chick is hatched ; in the Pigeon
it sometimes remains on the beak ten or twelve days; this
arises, doubtless, from the young Pigeons being fed by the
parent bird for some time after their bqing hatched ; and
thus there is no occasion for the young using the be.ik for
picking up its food.

The rapidity of the flight of Birds constitutes one of their
peculiarities ; some of the more swift have been known to
travel many hundred leagues in a few hours. The Pigeon,
it is well known, is a bird of very swift llight j many of the
Falcon tribe are also very swift in their aerial motions ,
some of them, it is said, will fly 150 miles in an hour. The
Swallows are ulso very swift on the wing.

Hence, from the rapidity and power of their flight, many
birds are occasionally seen in most regions of the globe ;
and, from the powers of flight and of swimming which
many aquatic birds possess, they are also enabled to visit
the various parts of the earth. These last, indeed, are en-

64 INTRODUCTION.

dowed with many peculiarities and functions, which those,
without palmate feet, never evince : the sea, to many of the
natatorial tribe, being their chief abode. Even the polar
regions o? floating ice afford to many of them not only a re-
treat during tempestuous weather, but there they sleep, and
there too they are said, occasionally, to hatch their young.

The Understanding of Birds is of considerable variety :
some are remarkably intelligent, while others are extremely
stupid ; the Water Birds, having palmate feet , seem to
be considerably beneath the Land Birds and Waders in
their intellectual powers. It appears to be also a singular
fact, that the volume of brain is greater among the Tnses-
sores, (Perchers) in proportion to the size of their bodies,
than in any other class, and their intelligence is, therefore,
stronger:* this fact will, doubtless, obtain the attention of
the P/irevologists.

The Males of the various tribes (the raptorial birds ex-
cepted) are those which sing the best and make the most
noise ; many of the females not singing at all or but very
indifferently. There are, however, many exceptions to
this: the /»cn Thrush, Turdus musica, sings in its natural
state, if not equal to the cock, yet very agreeably ; the
hen Blackbird, on the contrary, never sings, or at most,
only mutters. I suspect too, that some of the female
Warblers will be found to sing in their natural stale. The
female of the Pensile Warbler sings, although not equal
to the male. The female Redbreast, I believe, also sings ;
ihe female Skylark will be found, I suspect, also to sing ;
the female BvLvmcH, Mr. Sweet informs me, (see his let-
ter forwards) sings finely in confinement. It would be pre-
mature to lay down any law upon this subject, but it will
be found, I presume, tolerably correct, that when the male
of any species of Bird sings the greater part of the year,

* Vigor's Linn. Transactions, vol, xiv. page 404.

ON THE MALE AND FEMALE OF BIRDS. 65

i,he female of the same species most probably also sings :
instanced in the Thrush, the Pensile Warbler, and, I
suspect, the Redbreast and the Sky-Lark. But here
also a record of more observed facts is wanted.

Mr. Barrington (see below) thinks, that the reason why
females do not singr is, because if they did, when sitlini? on
their eggs, they would be discovered ; this is by no means
a conclusive reason ; for I once discovered a Thrush's nest
by hearuig the parent bird sing while sitting on the eggs.
Besides, as the cock and hen of many species frequently
sit on the eggs in turn, the female's not singing could be
no security to the nest while the cock was sitting and sing-
ing there.

Of the Raptorial Tribe, too, from many of the females
being larger than the males, their noise will be found, most
probably, more loud and striking than their masculine
mates. But we want, on this curious subject, a record of
more observed facts relative to the habits and manners of
Birds in their Natural state. The habits and manners of
domesticated Birds should not be depended upon, as they
become, in many instances, greatly altered by confinement.

There is a paper in the Philosophical TransactionSy Vol.
LXH. by the Hon. Daines Barrington relative to the Sing-
ing of Birds, that every lover of Natural History should
peruse; it is not capable of condensation so as to suit this
Introduction. That paper ought, nevertheless, to be read
with caution: for the Hon Gentleman seems to. have gene-
ralized somewhat too extensively.

ITe says, for instance, that female Birds never sing; and
that the song of every Bird is an imitated note ; (i. e.) a
note which the Bird has before heard. He considers the
power of song in Birds as similar to that of language in
man, and argues, that as no language is innate, so neither
are the notes of Birds. I suspect, however, that although

66 INTRODUCTION.

in many instances, the notes of Birds are copied, are imita"
lions, that some will be found nevertheless not so : but here
too a knowledge of more observed facts is wanted.

Mr. Barrington asserts, somewhat paradoxically, it
appears to me, that the inhabitants of London are better
judges of the songs of Birds than the inhabitants of the
country. There are ftctrf observers doubtless to be found in
town as well as in the country ; but a good observer living
in the country must be necessarily, from the opportunities
which he possesses, a better judge than one of equal abi-
lity in town : fur the knowledge acquired of Birds in con^
fiuement cannot be estimated so highly as that obtained of
them in their natural state: as it can never be, with any
certainty, more than a knowledge of domesticated Birds.

Again, Mr. , Barrington, speaking of the song of the
Nightingale, says, " that, although it sings by day, the song
is then confounded with that of other birds." Now, so far
from this being the case, if there be any bird of song whose
notes are distinguishable from other Birds when many Birds
sing together, the Nightingale is that Bird : his full and so-
norous modulations being most readily distinguished from
the song of every other Bird.*

Birds, when in their natural state, sing only in
the spring, (I speak of course of the Birds of the
temperate regions of the globe; tiieir habits in the
torrid zone are doubtless considerably different;) to this'
there are, ip this country, a few exceptions. The Red-
breast sings at almost every season of the year except in
severe frost. The Thrush too, sings during a much greater
portion of the year than the Blackbird. The Thrush in-
deed will be found to sing occasionally, in favourable situ-

* " II efface par I'^clat de son chant celai de tons les plu-
mages."—St. Pierre, see the note on the Nightingale, iu Part I.

ON THE SOUGS OF BIRDS. 67

ations and fine weather, at almost every season of the year.
The state of the atmosphere has unquestionably a great
effect on Birds: they rarely sing in very boisterous, very
wet, or very cold weather. Yet some of them will occa-
sionaljy sing even during wet weather ; many of the Thrush
tribe do so. Mr. Bowles, in his beautiful Sonnet to Time,
has the following simile :

" As some lone Bird at day's departing hour,
Sings in the sun-beam of the transient shower,
Forgetful, though its wings be wet the while."

The Lark, ahuda arvensis^ sings too, occasionally, while
it continues solitary, for many months of the year. As
most Birds sing only during fair weather, we are warranted
in the conclusion that their songs are the effect of pleasura-
ble sensations. The Missel bird is, however, said to sing
during a storm, hence it is sometimes called the Storm Cock;
but the term storm should, I suspect, be interpreted rain :
its singing in tempestuous storm is greatly to be doubted.

The Wood Thrush, the Turdus Melodus of Wilson, a
native of North America, sings also in moist and gloomy
weather ; it is said, indeed, that the sadder the day the
sweeter its song ; our own singing Thrush is also frequently
heard in wet weather; and, in the spring, many other Birds
during the transient shower, as Mr. Bowles has stated.

It may be observed too, that Birds, while gregarious,
in this country at least, rarely, if ever, sing in their natural
state, although we often hear them singing in numbers in the
Bird shops of the metropolis at the period when their fellow
Larks, for instance, are associated in flocks in our fields : a
proof how much their habits may be altered by domestica-
tion.

It being a fact, that Birds sing chiefly during the spring ;
it appears also that, in this season, they sing best during the

68 INTRODUCTION.

most active period of their mutual co-operation in the work
of procreation ; their songs are therefore neither unpoeti-
cally, nor perhaps untruly termed love songs. The Night'
higale is, it has been said, '* silent till he has found a mate ;
his song at first is short and hesitating; he ventures not a
full loud swell, till he sees the female charged with the fruits
of his love. As soon as the female begins to hatch, she
ceases to sing, and soon after, the male becomes silent.*
Mr. Sweet informs me, that he has kept hen Nightingales
for two years in confinement, and that he never heard them
sing; the probability is, therefore, that they do not sing. We
want, however, more records concerning the natural history
of this Bird.

The Nightingale's song has been generally considered, at
least by the poets, as a melancholy one ; and, from the occa-
sional fulness of its notes and the slowness with which some
of them are uttered, and when heard, too, in the nigbt„
there is assuredly, solemnity, if not melancholy, about it.
Notwithstanding Virgil's

" Qualis populed motrens Philomela sub umbrA ;"
and Milton's

" Most musical, most melancholy."

Mr. Coleridge, in some beautiful verses, has endeavour-
ed to persuade us, that it is an

<< Idle thought I
In Nature there is nothing melancholy !''

J am sorry to differ from Mr. Coleridge, but 1 cannot
assent to the assertion that, " there is nothing in nature
melancholy !'' would that it were a truth ! nor can I agree
to call the Nightingale's a merry note. Whatever may be
the feelings of the Nightingale, we have of course no accu-
rate means of knowing them, there is great probability
that, when he sings, they are pleasurable ; but it does not

ON THE NIGHTINGALE'S SONG. 69

follow that they should be, therefore, sprightly. If we
judge of the sounds emitted by birds from the effect which
such sounds have upon ourselves, and we do, I believe,
generally thus judge of them, I think there is certainly no
impropriety in calling the Nightingale's a pensive, if not a
melancholy strain.

" Lone Philomela tnn'd the silent grove.
With pensive pleasure listened wakeful love."

Savage.
Sir William Jones has also an elegant stanza concerning
the Nightingale, the opportunity of quoting which I cannot
resist :

" Quand le Rossignolj par son chant
Si rempli de tendresse,
Pour saluer le doux printemps
Au point du jour s'empresse."

Odes d' HaJiZf iv.

While I am not disposed to echo the opinions of others
without examination, and should consider the authority of
both Virgil and Milton as nothing against fact, yet I
cannot think Mr. Coleridge in accordance with nature
when he writes, "77te merry nigluingale." The merry lark
would, 1 presume, be more readily admitted ; this bird's
song having, according to my apprehension, much hilarity
about it; so thought Sir John Davies :

"Early, cheerful, mounting lark.
Light's gentle usher, morning's clerk.
In merry notes delighting."

Hymns to Astrea,
Having controverted Mr. Colfridge's opinion, injustice
to him it ought to be stated that he does not stand alone
in it. Chaucer has

"The Nightingale with so mery a note."

The Floure and the Leaf.

70 INTRODUCTION.

Mr. Elton, too, has

" Thou trilling, soft, yet sprightly Nightingale ;"
but, unfortunately, this gentleman labours under similar dis-
advantage with Mr. Coleridge, (see below,) he has, in the
same volume, " Poems, 1804,'' the following lines, which I
quote rather for their beauty than to prove how inconsistent
some of our poets can occasionally be,

" Soft as the Nightingale's re-murmuied moan,
When cradled on the branch in nioonlight rest,
The mazy warblings heave her wakeful breast."

Akenside calls the song of the Nightingale, simply,

" Melodious Philomela's wakeful strain."

Pleasures of Imagination, Book iii.

The late Mr. Fox, in a letter to Lord Grey, which has
been long since published, appears to have been of a similar
opinion with the preceding writers. A French writer in
Le Spectacle de la Nature, describing the Nightingale's
Song, has taken another view of it ; he says " Le Rossignol
va du serieux au badin ; d'un chant simple au gazouillement
le plus bizarre ; des tremblemens et des roulemensles plus
legers, a des soupirs languissans et lamentables qu'il
abandonne cnsuite pour revenir a sa gaiete naturelle;"
which implies that its song is, by turns, both gay and
grave. After all, and admittting, in which there will be no
difficulty, that some of the Nightingale's notes are uttered
quickly, yet, from the long pauses between the different
strains of the song, and many of the notes being
*' Of linked sweetness long drawn out,"

it still does appear to me most extraordinary that any one
should be disposed to call them merry, or even sprightly.
Yet, although I cannot admit that the Nightingale's notes

I

ON THE nightingale's SONG. 71

are merry, I cannot assent to the cause assigned by Thomson
for her sorrowing strains, namely, that they are produced by
the loss of her young ; that

" All abandoned to despair, she sings
Her sorrows through the night."

Thomson's picture of the Nightingale, thus singing, may
do very well in poetfy, but it is quite irreconcilable with na-
ture and truth. See Mr. Sweet's letter forward; and also
the note on the I^ightingale in the first part.

Having listened for a long time this morning, (May 10,
1826,) to the song of the Nightingale near Hornsey-wood
House, as mentioned below, I am more strongly confirmed
in the opinion I have here expressed concerning it. At
the same time it should not be forgotten, that the long-
drawn notes of its day-song are neither so striking, nor,
perhaps, so lengthened, as those which are uttered by the
same bird at midnight. In accordance with this, thus
beautifully sings Milton ;

" Now is the pleasant time,;
The cool, the silent, save where silence yields
To the night -warbling- bird that, now awake,
Tunes sweetest his love-laboured song ; now reigns
Full-orb'd the moon, and with more pleasing light,
Shadowy «ets otf the face of things.''

Par. Losty Book v.

Milton, we see, treats the Nightingale as a male^ while
most of our poets have, following the ancients, I presume,
echoed without discrimination their practice of calling him
Philomela^ and feminine, of course. It is, however, time
to approach and adopt the truth as it is found in nature :
but the temptation to, make a lady sentimental is, it
must be admitted, often too great to be resisted ; and in

72 INTRODUCTION.

this respect I have myself offended. See the Nightingale's
Song.

I must just add, that Mr. Coleridge himself has not
always been of the opinion stated above: for in his volume
of poems, published in 1796, he has an Effusion to the
Nightingale, in which is the following line :

"Thou warblest sad thy pity pleading strains."

In conclusion, let us hear what Lord Byron says :
"This rose to calm my brother's cares,
A message from the Bulbnl* bears ; ,

It says to night he will prolong
For Selim's ear his sweetest song ;
And though his note is somewhat sad,
He'll try, for once, a strain more glad ;
With some faint hope his altered lay,
May sing these gloomy thoughts away."

Bride of Abydos. — Canto I.

His lordship, in a note, after alluding to the controversy
as to the opinions of the ancients on the subject, adds, " I
dare not venture a conjecture on the point, though a little
inclined to the * errare malleni, &c.' if Mr. Fox was
mistaken."

See more concerning the Nightingale in the note on this
bird in Part I. and also tlie following letter from Mr.
Sweet, of Chelsea, a gentleman who has kept several of our
birds of passage the whole year through, and has had many
opportunities of observing some curious facts concerning
them.

Chelsea, Dec. 7thy 1 826.
Sir,

Several of my birds are now in song, though their
song is not so loud nor so fine as it is when the days begin to

* Bulbul : the Turkish name for the Nightingale.

ON THE SONGS OF THE WARBLERS. 73

lengthen. Those that sing at present are, two Nightingales,
one Redstart, and the larger White-throat : the fVillow Wren
has also begnn a little, bnt its notes are very low at present.
When thej' are all in full song I will write to you again, as yon
will probably be surprised at some of their notes.

As I mentioned to you when here, I once had a female
Nightingale, which built a nest with me in a little work-basket
tiiat was put in its cage on purpose. In three days it built a
very large and fine nest, Mhich was constructed with dry leaves
and pieces of mat . (it was a one-year-old bird.) It laid three
eggs, on which it sat about two days, when it was almost famished
for want of food ; the male not being very well at the time, so
that he would not feed her. She then left the nest to feed,
and, when she returned, she threw out the eggs and broke them.
I have no doubt but she would have succeeded well another
season, but a gentleman wishing particularly to have her, I
parted with her. My Whilethroats have often built in the cage,
but have never laid; I believe the reason is, they are too fat :
the male Whitethroat works at the building as much as the fe-
male, which is not the case with the Nightingale, — the female
completes the whole herself.

The Nightingale, in confinement, only sings by night in
summer ; but ray Redstart sings every night at the present time.
I once had a Redstart that was bred up by hand from the
nest, which learnt to sing the Copenhagen Waltz, which was
occasionally sung to it, and it would ^o through regularly with
the person that sung to it, only stopping occasionally to say
chipput. This is mentioned in my account of that species in the
work that I published on this tribe j* likewise of a Whitethroat

* " The British Warblers: an account of the genus Sylvia ;
illustrated by six beautifully coloured figures, taken from living
specimens in the author's collection, with directions for their
treatment according to the author's method j in which is ex-
plained how the interesting and fine singing birds belonging to

E

74

INTRODUCTION.

that would sing for hours against a Nightingale, the same bird
that is now in song at my house.

I always tind the male birds of this tribe sing more and
louder when a female of the same species is in the cage with
them; bnt the females seldom sing; I had a female Redstart
which sung a little ; and female Bultinches sing as frequently
as the males.

I am, Sir,

Yours, truly,

R. Sweet.

The fact that the songs of birds are prompted chiefly by
love is finely described by Thomson ; indeed, the lover of
nature, and particularly of ovnitholof^y, can scarcely read
that poet too often :

*' Up springs the Lark,
Shrill voic'd and loud the messenger of morn ;
Ere yet the shadows fly, he mounted sings
Amid the dawning clouds, and from their haunts
Calls up the tuneful nations. Every copse
Deep-tangled, tree irregillar, and bush
Bending with dewy moisture, o'er the heads
.Of the coy quiristers that lodge within,
A-re prodigal of harmony. The Thrush,
The Wood-lark, o'er the kind contending throng
Superior heard, run through the sweetest length
Of notes; when listening Philomela deigns
To let them joy, and purposes in thought
Elate to make her night excel their day.
The Blackbird whistles from the thorny brake,
The mellow Bulfinch answers from the grove;
Nor are the Linnets, o'er the flowering furze

this genus may be managed, and kept in as good health as any
common bird whatever ; by Robert Sweet, f.l.s. author of
Hortus Suburbanus Londinensis, ^c. ^c," 8vo.

BIRDS OF LONDON. 75

Poni'd out profusely, silent. Join'd to these,
Innumerable songsters, in the freshening sharie
Of new-sprung leaves, their modulations mix
Mellifluous. The Jay, the Rook, the Daw,
And each harsh pipe discordant heard alone,
Aid the full concert ; while the Stock Dove breathes
A melancholy murmur through the whole."

Spring.

The only fault I find wit!i the preceding lines is, they,
would seem to imply that the Nightingale sings oniy in
the night, a mistake which, with all the knowledge now
abroad, is very commonly made.

y\nd here it may be observed, that although many of the
bird tribe seem to prefer the vicinity of the residence of
man for their domicile, yet they, for the most part, avoid
cities and large towns, for one, among other reasons,
because there is no food for them. There are, notwith-
standing, some remarkable exceptions to this. The
Howe Sparrow is to be seen, I believe, in every part of
London. There is a Rookery in the Tower, and another
was, till lately, in Carlton Palace gardens; but the trees
having been cut down to make room for the improvements
going on there, the Rooks have removed this spring, (1827,)
tp.some trees behind the houses in New Street, Spring
Gardens. There was also, for many years, a rookery on the
trees in the church yard of »S/. DvnstatVs in the East, a short
distance from the Tower; the Rooks for some years past
deserted that spot, owing, it is believed, to the fire tliat oc-
curred a few years ago at the old Custom House. But the
present spring, 1827, they have begun again to build on
those trees, which are not elm, but a species of plane. There
was also, formerly, a rookery on some large elm trees in \hv.
College Garden behind the Ecclesiastical Court in Doctors^

e2

76 IKTRODUCTIOK.

Commons, a curious anecdote concerning which has been
recorded.*

The Storkf and some other of the tribe of waders, are oc-
casionally also inhabitants of some of the continental towns.

Rooks appear to be peculiarly partial to building their
nests in the vicinity of the residence of man. Of the nume-
rous rookeries of which I have any recollection, most of
them were a short distance from dwelling houses. At the
present time, (March, 1827,) there is a rookery on some
trees, neither very lofty nor very elegant, in the garden of
the Royal Naval Asylum, at Greenwich ; and although
many very fine and lofty elms are in the park near, which
one might naturally suppose the rooks would prefer, yet,
such is the fact, there is not even one Rook's nest in
Greenwich Park. Possibly the company of so large a
number of boys, and the noise which they make, determine
these birds in the choice of such a place for their procreating
domicile.

There is also a remarkable fact related by Mr. French,
on the authority of Dr. Spurgin, in the second volume of
the Zoological Journal, which merits attention, in regard to
the Rook.

A gentleman occupied a farm in Essex, where he had
not long resided before numerous Rooks built their nest on
the trees surrounding his premises; the rookery was much
prized : the farmer, however, being induced to hire a larger
farm about three quarters of a mile distant, he left the farm
and the rookery; but, to his surprise and pleasure, the
whole rookery deserted their former habitation and came to
the new one of their old master, where they continue to
jflourish. It ought to be added, that this gentleman was

* See Hone's Every Day Book, vol. I. page 494.

I

.BIRDS OF LONDON. 77

slrongly attached to all animals whatsoever, Jind of course
used them kindly.

The Swallow, Swift, and Martin, seem to have almost
deserted London, although they are occasionally, though
not very plentifully, to be seen in the suburbs. Two reasons
may be assigned for this relative to the Swallow: flies are
not there so plentiful as in (he open country ; and most of
the chimneys have conical or other contracted tops to them,
which, if they do not preclude, are certainly no temptation
to their building in such places; the top of a chimney
being, as is well known, its favourite site for its nest. The
Martin is also scarce in London. But, during the summer
of 1825, I observed a Martin's nest against a blind window
in Goswell Street Road, on the construction of which the
Martins were extremely busy in the early part of the
month of August. I have since seen many Martins,
(August, 1826,) busily engaged in skimming over a pool in
the Fields, to the south of Islington : most of these
were, I conjecture, young birds, as they were brown,
not black ; but they had the white on tlie rump, which
is characteristic of thjB species. A few dajs afterwards
I observed several Martins' nests in a blind window on
Islington green. And, Sept. 20, of the same year, I saw
from the window of my present residence, in Dalby Terrace,
City Road, many similar birds actively on the wing.

The Redbreast has been, I am told, occasionally seen in
the neighbourhood of Fleet-market and Ludgate-hill. I
saw it myself before the window of my present residence,
Dalby Terrace, in November, 1825; and in November,
1826, the Wren, (Sylvia Troglodytes,) was seen on the
shrubs in the garden before the house at Dalby Terrace; it
{was very lively and active, and uttered its peculiar chit,
xJiit.

78 INTRODUCTION.

The Starling' builds on the tower at Canonlury, in Is-
lington ; sec the note on this bird in Part I j and the
Baltimore Oride is, according to Wilson, found very often
on the trees in some of the American cities; but the Mocking-
idrd^ that used to be very common in the American subur-
ban regiotis, is, it is said, now becoming more rare, particu-
larly in the neighbourhood of Philadelphia.

The Thrush, {Turdns MnsicMS,) was also often heard in
the gardens behind Yoik Place, during the spring of 1826.
1 heard it myself in <lcligbtful song early in March, 1826,
among the trees near the canal, on the north side of the
Regent's Park.

Some of the Migratory birds approach much nearer to
London than is, I believe, generally imagined. The Cuckoo
and Wood-pigeon are heard occasionally in Kensington
Gardens. The JSightingale approaches also much nearer
to London than has been commonly supposed. I heanl it
in melodious song at seven o'clock in the morning, in the
wood near Hornsey-wood House, May 10, 1826; which is, I
believe, the nearest approach to St. Paul's it has been
fior some time knovt^n to make. It is also often beard at
Hackney and Mile-end. I have also heard it regularly for
some years past in a garden near the turni)ike gate on the
road leading from London to Greenwich, a short distance
from the third mile stone from London-bridge. This charm-
ing bird may be also heard, during the season, in Greenwich
Park, particularly in the gardens adjoining Montagu-house;
but never, 1 believe, on its lofty trees. The Nightingale
prefers copses and bushes to trees; the Cuckoo, on the
contrary, prefers trees, and of these the elm, from which it
most probably obtains its food. The Nightingale is also
common at Lee and Lewisham, Forest-hill, Sydenham, and
Penge-wood; in all these places, except Hackney and Mile-

ON THE NIDIFICATION OF BIRDS. 79

endt \ have myself often heard it, and in the day-lime.
Those who are partial to the singing of birds generally, will
find the morning, from four to nine o'elock, the most fa-
vourable time for hearing them.

Although it is, perhaps, true, that the birds of warm
climates do not equal those of the temperate ones in the
sweetness and riehness of their notes, yet it is a mistake to
suppose that there are not many birds of exquisite song
abounding in the torrid zone. The Mocking-bird is one of
these, and perliaps one of the greatest wonders amongst the
birds of the western world : but more of this charming bird
hereafter.

From the abundance of many of the piccB tribe, sucli as
Parrots, and some others of harsh note, it is probable that
their sounds in the tropical woods often overpower and
confound the more soft and sweet modulations of the
warbler tribes ; and hence the opinion has obtained credit
that the tropical regions are deficient in birds of song.

The Plumage of the birds of the torrid zone is admitted
by every one to be much more splendid than that of the
birds of temperate latitudes ; and, it also appears that, as we
proceed to still colder regions, the colours of birds become
less beautiful and striking, white being there on6 of the
most predominant characteristics.

Of the NiDiFiCATioN OF BiRDS, little more needs to be
.said; (see i\\€i Poetical portion of this Introduction;) it is,
notwithstanding, worthy of remark, that scarcely two
birds, even of the same genus, if of a dilferent species,
build their nests Alike, nor in exactly similar sil\iations ;
they all seem to have their peculiar predilections in the
choice of a site for the important process of incubation.
Some prefer lofty trees, and those too, of particular kinds ;
some hedges; some shrubs; some dry brakes ; some on the

80 INTRODUCTION,

water, and in reeds; some on the roofs, others under the
eaves of houses ; some lofty turrets or rocks ; some banks ;
>;onie holes in the earth, in trees, or in walls ; and some, as
the Swallow, the inside of the tops of chimneys. The Rook
most decidedly in this country prefers the elm; yet it
occasionally builds on the pine and the chesnut. The
Goldfinch is partial to a young elm, not a lofty tree; box
is a favourite site, when to be obtained, for the Hedge-
sparrow i this choice arises most probably from the nest
being, in box^ most effectually concealed : this bird laying
early in the spring, before the hedges are clothed with
leaves. Afterwards, as its name imports, hedges are its
usual place of domicile, and particularly those of the white-
thorn ; it also prefers dry and closely matted brakes in th^
early spring, for the same reason no doubt that it prefers
the box. The House-sparrow in and near London occa-
sionally chooses the Lombardy poplar ; but in no other
part of this country, that I am aware of. I am disposed to
believe that this is a recently adopted habit of this bird,
from this poplar being now very plentiful in the suburbs of
London.

Many birds of warm climates build pendulous nests,
which are attached to the extreme branches of trees, and
where only they are secure from their enemies, the snakes
and monkeys. Seeing that the eggs of many birds are often
sought after and destroyed by vermin in this country,
snakes, most probably, and the weasel tribe, it is rather
remarkable that pendulous nests are not common here.
Those who are conversant with the subject, knovs' that a
bird's nest with nothing but broken egg-shells in it will be
very often found.

The Penduline Titmouse, Parus pendulinns, has a pen-
dulous nest, as its name imports, and it is, besides, an

ON THE NIDIFICATION OF BIRDS. 81

European bird, but its nest has never been, I believe, seen
ill this country.

The structure of the nests of birds must ever be a subject
of interest and admiration; the skill displayed in many of
them is truly wonderful, and indicates a considerable degree
of foresight and intelligence.

Waterton, in his Wanderings, mentions the nest of some
large Humming bird, similar in texture to tanned leather,
with a rim in the inside of it, designed evidently to prevent
the eggs, two in number, from rolling out, which they as-
suredly would do but for such precaution; the nest being
attached to the slender branch of a tree, and moving about
with every motion of the wind.

Our favourite, Thomson, supplies us with many interest-
ing traits on this subject ;

"Some to the holly -hedge
Nestling repair, and to the thicket some ;
Some to the rude protection of the thorn
Commit their feeble offspring : the cleft tree
Offers its kind concealment to a few,
Their food its insects, and their moss their nests.
Others apart far in the grassy dale,
Or roughening waste, their humble texture weave.
But most in woodland solitudes delight,
In unfrequented glooms, or shaggy banks.
Steep and divided by a babbling brook,
Whose murmurs soothe them all the live long day,
When by kind duty tix'd. Among the roots
Of hazel pendent o'er the plaintive stream,
They frame the first foundation of their domes:
Dry sprigs of trees in artful fabric laid,
And bound with clay together.

The Swallow sweeps
The slimy pool to build his hanging house,

e3

82 INTRODUCTION.

Intent ; and often, from the careless back
Of herds and flocks a thousand tujrgiog bills
Pluck hair and wool."

Spring.

The Migration of Birds is also a subject of considerable
interest in their natural history.

'* The birds of air
Now pleas'd return ; they perch on every spray,
And swell their little throats, and warble wild
Their vernal minstrelsy."

Mason's English Garden^ Book iv.

It was formerly supposed (hat many birds, which, it is
now known, unqueslionably migrate, retired to some secure
retreat, and remained dormant during the winter ; so certain
was this supposed to be, that, in some districts of the king,
dom, seven of the migratory birds obtained the name of the
SEVEN SLEEPERS. I am not exactly aware of all the names
of these sleeping birds, but I remember very well that the
Cuckoo was called in Somersetshire, when I was a boy, and
I dare say is so still by the uninformed peasantry there, one
of the seven sleepers. However, more accurate observation
has, in great measure, dispelled these fancies: for they ap-
pear to be no more than fancies. There is, notwithstanding,
a disposition in some persons still to credit the opinion that
swallowSf or at least some of tliem, do actually remain
dormant during the winter in this country. As I am not
aware that any well attested facts of a late date have been
observed and made public concerning this very doubtful
subject, and, as almost every thing which we know con-
cerning this bird tends to the contrary opinion, namely, that
it invariably migrates, or, if it remain here, it most probably
dies, I am not disposed to countenance an opinion so con-

ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. 83

trary to other numerous and well-attested facts, and many
of which are indeed open to the verification of almost all
who take an active interest in the subject.

A very little reflection will serve to show us the real
reasons for the migration of birds j which is not confined to
this country, but appears to pervade, more or less, every
region of the globe in which birds can exist. But it may
be observed, that birds which are stationary in one country,
are often migratory in another ; or at least that a portion of
the tribe migrates. It may be observed, too, that some
birds are now migratory in this country that were formerly
not so; a proof that they do not find it so agreeable to
them as heretofore it used to be.

The causesy then, for the migration of birds may be, and
most probably are, the following: namely, defect of food at
certain seasons of the year; the want of a secure asylum
during incubation and nutrition ; or the cold of winter being
either destructive or unpleasant to the bird. We can also
conceive it possible that excessive heat might occasionally
induce birds to migrate, although it is probable that this
cause is much less operative than excessive cold.

The Stvallow leaves this country about Michaelmas, most
probably for two of the above reasons; the climate becomes
too cold for it ; and flies, its only food, are not found in
sufficient abundance for its support.

Away ! away ! thou summer bird !
For autumn's moaning voice is heard,
In cadence wild, and deepening swell,
Of winter's stern approach to leJl.

Lit. Gazette,

Many other birds leave also this country about the saine
period. While, on the contrary, many birds from the
tiorth, — from Scotland, Sweden, Norway, and Lapland,

84 INTRODUCTION.

Jiow pour down upon the south of England ; as the climate
in the north becomes not only too cold for them, but it does
not, most probably, supply them with a sufficient quantity
of food. Hence the very common, and j^enerally true ob-
servation, that the early arrival of wild geese, wild ducks,
and other migratory birds, from the north, in the winter,
portends that a severe season is approaching; the early
appearance of these birds being, most likely, caused by
severe frost having already set in at their usual summer
residence.

The chief migratory summer birds found in England,
and which, most probably, come from the warmer regions
of Europe or Asia, or the jet more warm ones of Africa,
are, the Cuckoo, the Nightingale, all the Swallow tribe, the
Wry-neck, the Wheatear, the Black-cap, the Fly-catcher,
the Willow-wren, the White-throat, the Goat-suQlier, and the
Land-rail, The Auk, the Guillemot, and Puffin, also visit
the maritime cliffs of Great Britain in the summer.

The chief migratory birds which visit England during
the winter, and which come most probably from the north
of Scotland, or from the still colder regions of Lapland,
Norway, and other parts of Northern Europe, are, the
the Hooded or Royston Crow, the Woodcock, (believed also
to come sometimes from North America, but this is ques-
tionable,) the Fieldfare, the Ring-ouzel, the Redwing, the
Snipe, the Jack Snipe, the Curlew, the Plover, Sandpiper,
&cc. Of the Duck tribe, such as Wild Ducks, Wild Geese,
Widgeon, Teal, Swans, &c. ; some occasionally breed in
England, the Tadorna or Sheldrake very commonly, but by
far the greater part retire to remote places and inaccessible
rocks, to Scotland or to some still more distant region, \o
perform the important functions of incubation and rearing
their young, in retirement and security. Some of these

ON THE GREGARIOUSNESS OF BIRDS. B5

abound in the fenny and marshy districts of the kingdom du-
ring the winter months, where food suitable to them may
be commonly and readily obtained. Of the Duck tribe,
too, many are migratory almost daily during the winter
season: that is, they remain in the marshes for some hours,
and then proceed to the sea shore, where food is in abun-
dance. Some of these migrations are determined by the pe-
riods of the tides.

Besides the preceding regularly migrating birds, there are
many others that occasionally appear in this country, or
which change their residence from one part of the country
to another. The Golden Oriole is sometimes seen here as a
summer visitant ; rarely, if ever, found here in the winter.
The Grosbeak, Crossbill, and Waxen Chaiterer, appear at
uncertain intervals. Some of our Wild Pigeons either
migrate or change their residence; so do Quails; Starlings
most probably migrate in part, although not all.

Another peculiarity of many of the bird tribe is that of
assembling in large numbers in the winter, and as regularly
separating again at the approach of summer. Among our birds
of song, the Gold/inch, fringilla carduelis ; and Lark, alauda
arvensis, may be mentioned as belonging to this class, they
being found together, the Larks particularly, in large numbers
in the winter season ; but in the summer these birds are only
associated in pairs. The same may be said of the Pur, Tringa
cinclus, a well-known sea-bird, seen hovering at the mouths
of saltwater rivers in immense flocks in the winter and
spring. 1 he House Sparrow is not one of the least interest-
ing of birds, notwithstanding its occasional destructiveness
in cornfields. It is almost always more or less gregarious,
but it is found associated in larger numbers in winter than
in summer. In favourable situation, and in mild weather,
this bird breeds occasionally even in the winter season ; at

86 INTRODUCTION.

least such is my experience of this bird in Somersetshire.
The Fieldfare being a migratory bird, is rarely seen solitary
iti this country, — usually in flocks.

Few birds are gregarious at all seasons of the year.
The Rook is, however, peculiarly so ; and, what is very re-
markable, this bird only roosts at the rookery for a few
months during the time of building its nest, incubation, and
rearing its young : in the winter season the whole commu-
nity retire sometimes ten, or even more, miles from their
nests, to roost on the trees in some sequestered spot or
wood. They, nevertheless, occasionally visit the rookery
throughout the winter, although not, I believe, diurnally.

Notwithstanding many birds are gregarious only during
the winter season, some, as we have seen, (the Rook and
House Sparrow,) are gregarious also during incubation.
Others are gregarious, chiefly, if not only, at this period.
The Heron, ardea majors is one of those j and the Oriole,
oriolus persicus, is peculiarly gregarious during the time of
nidification and rearing its young.

The gregariousness of the Duck tribe does not seem to
extend, under ordinary circumstances, to more than one
brood, — most commonly from ten to fifteen ; at least, this
appears to be the fact during \hc\r flight. They are doubtless
found together in greater numbers on our decoy pools and
other lakes. The gregariousness of the Partridge extends, I
believe, rarely beyond a brood ; Quails, on the contrary,
assemble together in large numbers in the winter.

It is a curious fact in the migration of birds, that some
migrate in quest of a particular crop. Thus, in Cuba,
the Rice-bird, Emheriza Oryzivora, is found in great
numbers during the season of that crop ; but no sooner is
the rice gathered than it removes to Carolina, and meets
the same harvest in that country^ where it remains till the

APPEARANCE OF MIGRATORY BIRDS. 87

rice season is past. It has also been observed of this, and
several other species of birds, that the male and female
separate during the time of migration. Of the Rice bird it
is said that it is only the female which emigrates to Caro-
lina. In Sweden a species of Duck, it is said, is found, the
males of which constantly leave the country at the time of
incubation, and do not return till the pairing season.

Attempts have been made to ascertain the exact lime of
the appearance and retreat of the various migratory birds;
but, from a variety of circumstances, this will be found
difficult, if not impossible : some birds appearing in certain
places much sooner than in others ; and some never appear-
ing in many places, in certain seasons, at all. Thus it is ^aid
that the Nightingale is not to be found in England, farther
from Dover, in any direction, than the distance of 160
miles. Perhaps, however, 200 miles might be nearer the
truth. Huntspilly in Somersetshire, is considerably more
than 150 miles from Dover; it is often heard there j I liave
also heard it on the banks of the Wye, between Chepstow
and Monmouth. Notwithstanding the Nightingale is by no
means an uncommon bird in Somersetshire, I remember
very well that some years ago, while I resided at Huntspilly
one or two summers passed without my hearing it at all ;
hence, I conclude it was not in the neighbourhood in those
years.

Our migratory summer birds, such as the Ctichoo, Night-
ingale, Swallow, &c. do, however, generally make their ap-
pearance some time in April, according to the season, but
usually towards the latter end of the month. The winter
bii'ds are more irregular still in their appearance. October
and November are the usual months in which they arrive ;
the Ring ouzel, it is said, soon after Michaelmas; the
Royston, or Hooded Crow, in October; Snipes, in Novem-

88 INTRODUCTION.

ber, Sec. &c. By a table in the first part of the xvth vo-
lume of the Transactions of the Linnean Society, prepared by
Messrs. Sheppard and Whitear, exhibiting the Times of
Migration of Summer Birds of Passage, at Harleston,
Norfolk, Off Ion in Suffolk, and Wrabness in Essex; the
Swift is rarely seen till May ; the Turtle Dove not before the
r2th of the same month : the Black-cap as early as the first
of April, sometimes as late as the 22d of the same month ;
the Swallow on the 7th or 8th of April, sometimes as late
as the 30th of the same month ; the Yellow-wren sometimes
as early as the 27th of March ; the Nightingale the 14th of
April, more commonly after the 20th of the same month ;
the Cuckoo on the lOlh of April, more commonly after the
20th of the same month.

There is room for believing that some migratory birds
return, again and again, to the same spot which they have
visited in former years; of the Swallow, indeed, this occur-
rence is said to have been particularly observed.

The Natural History of Birds is extremely interesting ;
it is impossible in this short introduction to do it justice.
If I shall by this work, altogether, excite a more general
attention towards this department of nature's works, I
shall be amply gratified for the labour and assiduity which
I have bestowed upon it.

Nor is the study of the history of Domesticated Birds
to be neglected ; it being, when unaccompanied with
cruelty, a source of much gratification. Mason thus ele-
gantly describes several of the tribe which minister to
our pleasures or our wants :

" The feather'd fleet
Led by two mantling Swans, at every creek
Now touch'd, and now unmoor'd : now on full sail
With pennons spread and oary feet tliey plied

DOMESTICATED BIRDS. 89

Their vagrant voyage ; and now as if becalm'd

'Tween shore and shore at anchor seem'd to sleep.

Around those shores the fowl that fear the stream

At random rove: hither hot Guinea sends

Her gadding troop j here, 'midst his speckled dames,

The pigmy chanticleer of Bantam winds

His clarion ; while supreme in glittering state

The Peacock spreads his rainbow train with eyes

Of sapphire bright, irradiate each with gold ;

Meantime from every spray the Ring-doves coo,

The Linnets warble, captive none, but lur'd

By food to haunt the umbrage : all the glade

Is life, is music, liberty, and love."

English Garden, Book iv.

In consulting the Notes it is necessary the reader should
know that, in order to avoid repetition and to save room,
in describing the species of each genus, the specific name
only is given. Thus, under Falco, the Eagle, Hawk, &c.
instead of Falco Chrysaetos, will be found. The Chrysattos,
instead of Falco Ossifragus, The Ossifragus, and so on ;
so that the student will only have to add the generic term
Falco to the specific one Chrysaetos^ and thus oP every
other genus respectively, to obtain the scientific names of
every species throughout the vvork. As far also as they
can be ascertained, the various provincial names of the
different species of birds, are added j of the first utility in
the study of ornithology. For the supply of this desidera-
tum, besides bis own resources, the author is greatly
indebted to the Ornithological Dictionary of Colonel
Montagu,* a work which, for its accuracy, will be ever

* Those who desire to obtain Biographical Particulars of this
distinguished naturalist, who was a native of Wiltshire, but died
at Knowles, near Kingsbridge, in Devonshire, in 1815, will find

90 INTllODUCTION.

held in deserved estimation. A few names are also added
from Wilson's American Ornithology^ a work of singular
merit, to which he owes the tribute of his thanks. To Dr.
Latham's work he is also, on this account, under some
obligation.

Of Andrew Wilson, as he has long since paid the debt
of nature, and who has been little heard of in this country,
the following particulars may be here acceptable. He was
born of poor parents, at Paisley, in Scotland, in 1766 ; his
education was, of course, scanty, but considerably better
than falls to the lot of persons of his condition in England.
He was apprenticed to a weaver, his brother-in-law, the
pursuit of whose trade he followed for many years; he
subsequently shouldered his pack and became an itinerant
pedlar. Becoming disgusted with trade, he wrote some
papers for the Bee, a periodical work edited by Dr-
Anderson ; he wrote also a libel, for which he was pro-
secuted, and, for a short time, imprisoned, and sentenced
besides to burn, with his own hands, the obnoxious work
at the public high-cross at Paisley !

In 1792, he published, anonymously, a characteristic
Poem, entitled " Watty and Meg,"" which was attributed
to Burns. Disliking Scotland, in 1794, he went to
America ; there, encountering various fate, he became a
teacher in a school ; and, subsequently, formed an ac-
quaintance with the venerable naturalist, William Bartram,
by whom he was excited to devote his attention to the

them in the third volume of Brixton's Beauties of Wilt-
shire, lately published ; a volume replete with antiquarian and
biographical information; not the least interesting portion of
which consists of an auto-biographical memoir of Mr. Britton
himself, one of the most industrious of our literary bees.

AKBREW WILSON. ^^1

Natural History of Birds, the drawing of which he also as-
siduously cultivated. Eeforc he left Scotland, he had pub-
lished a volume of jjoems, of, it is said, indiflerent merit j
a poem called the " Foresters,'' he published in America.
Besides the art of drawing, he acquired also that of
etchinff. He became afterwards, at a liberal salary, as-
sistant editor of an American edition of Rees's Cyclopaedia,
the articles of which, on Natural History, it is presumed,
were in)proved under his superintendance.

His work on Birds, the title of which is, American Orni-
thology, or Natural History of the Birds of the United States,
illustrated with plates, engraved and coloured from original
drawings taken from nature, by Alexander Wilson, in
nine volumes, folio, was published at Philadelphia by sub-
scription. It was several years completing ; the last vo-
lume appeared soon after bis death, in 1814. A supplemen-
tal^ volume, containing some further observations on birds,
and biographical particulars of the author, has been since
published by Mr. Geo. Ord. This work has obtained for
Wilson an imperishable name ; it is little known in this
country, but every lover of Natural History ought to be ac-
quainted with it. Wilson's whole study appears to have
been nature ; he derived little knowledge from books ; but
he traversed the United States in various directions for in-
formation concerning his favourite pursuit.

He died at Philadelphia, in 1813, aged 47, and left his
ornilholoi^ical work as a monument of his industry, his ta-
lent, and research. His descriptions of birds, although ex-
tremely accurate, are, nevertheless, highly poetical and
picturesque ; and the amiable spirit of humanity towards
the objects of his attention, which breathes throughout his
work,' will never fail to excite for him a feeling of respect
and esteem.

92 INTRODUCTION.

Besides furnishing the whole of the letter-press for his
work, and the drawings for the plates, the plates themselves
were almost wholly coloured by him, or under his imme-
diate superintendance. A work of more accuracy in Natu-
ral History does not, perhaps, exist. America has reason
to be proud of having been the foster-mother to Alexander
Wilson. The number of birds described by him is 278.

He was scrupulously just, social, aflectionate, benevo-
lent, and temperate ; but of the genus irritabile, extremely
pertinacious of his own opinion, and did not like to be told
of his mistakes, — a weakness, for weakness it most cer-
tainly was, greatly to be deplored. His death deprived the
world, most probably, of another work which he con-
templated, namely, one on American Quadrupeds. He had
a poetical mind, as the extracts from his work in the sub-
sequent notes will shew, — but he wanted tasle, to give that
polish to his lines which most who read them will perceive
they occasionally require. His description of the Bald
Eagle in Note 1, Parti, is, however, a masterpiece; it
may be pronounced nearly a faultless picture.

It is said that upon some occasion the lale President of
the United States, Jefferson, treated Wilson with con-
tempt. This it is extremely painful to hear; but it too
often unfortunately happens that the worth of the living is
unknown ; we stand in need of death to set the seal to our
pretensions and our merit. Surely Jefferson could never
neglect the truly meritorious and worthy, if he believed
him to be so !

In concluding this notice of Andrew Wilson, and his
American Ornithology, it would be unpardonable here to
omit the notice of a work, in some respects similar, on our
British Birds, now in course of publication by Mr. Selby ;
a work, the plates of which are on elephant folio, and co-

SELBy's BRITISH BIRDS. 93

loured correctly after nature, by or under the direction of tlic
author himself. As far as I have had an opportunity of
examining the engravings, they appear far superior to any
thing that has yet been published in this country concerning
British Birds. It bids fair not only to equal, if not to ex-
ceed, in many particulars, Andrew Wilson's work, but
also to supply a desideratum in our ornithological history,
which every lover of birds must of necessity highly esteem.
My poeficfl/ division of the birds, although not scientific,
will not be, I flatter myself, without i(s uses. From the
great loco-motive powers of many birds, they belong to
almost all regions of the earth; yet, in a general view, the
Eagle may be said to be the king of the birds of the tem-
perate, as the Vulture, Condur, is of the torrid zones.
The Co NDUR prefers putrid to fresh meat; hence the use
of such birds in warm climates. As the organ of smell is,
in the Vulturid race of birds, strongly developed, Mr.
Vigors thinks that this tribe bears, among birds of prey,
the same analogical relation to the canine race among the
mammalia, as the Falconids exhibit to the Feline tribes.*
Pliny has concisely stated the difference in this respect
between these two genera of birds. Aquil^e clarius cernunt ;
Vultures sagacius ordorantur. The disposition of the
Vulture tribe for dead animals was well known to the
ancients:

Exanima obscoenus consumit corpora viiltur.

SiLius Italicus.

Although I have poetically two divisions of birds, from a
desire to maintain, as much as was consistent with the na-
ture of my work, a scientific arrangement in the Notes, I
have to regret that the description of every bird could not,

* Zoological Journal, vol. 2, page 371.

94 INTRODUCTION-

without great inconvenience, be confined to its peculiar
region, notwithstanding, for the most part, it is so. When,
therefore, the description of any bird cannot be readily
found in the notes of one part, it should be sought for in the
other. The Index will be, however, the mostoertain guide.

In an Epitome of Ornithology, the mention of the very
extensive and useful collection of preserved specimens of
birds now open to the inspection of the public at the
British Museum ought not to be omitted. The lover of
Natural History will find, in the well arranged cases of
that National Repository, much to interest and engage his
attention. There he may contemplate specimens of the
more rare and curious of the feathered race. The Fla^
miugo, the Bird of Paradise , the Toucan, innumerable
Eagles, tlie Columha Coronota, the Bustard, and a numerous
et ccetera, either new or rare in this department of science.
There may he pass days in the contemplation of Birds
alone, which will afford him no ordinary gratification.

The Ornithological Museum of the Linnean Society
ought also to be mentioned; the extensive collection of
the Birds of New Holland, in particular, is more es-
pecially deserving notice. This museum is not, of course,
open to the public; hut, by a suitable introduction, it may
be readily inspected.

Nor ought the museum of the East India Company, in
Leadenhall Street, to be forgotten. Here will be found
many of the birds of the east, and, particularly, a curious
collection made by Dr. Horsfield, of the Birds of Java :
access to this can only be had through the medium of a
Director, or by an introduction to the Librarian, Dr.

WiLKINS.

Nor must the growing collection of the Zoological
Society in these notices be passed over; a society \^hi<h.

SCIENTIFIC TERM3. 95

under the auspices of many of the nobility and gentry, is
already, although of very recent formation, in vigorous
activity, and to which the learned Secretary, Mr. Vigors,
is lending liis powerful assistance; and the Marquis of
Lansdowne, as President, his countenance and support.

Nor, lastly, should the collection of Living Birds at
Exeter Change be omitted. Among which is a large fe-
male African Ostrich; various Vultukes ; the Demoiselle
Heron; Pelicans; several Emeus, which were bred in
his Majesty's establishment in Windsor Park ; and other
living ornithological curiosities.

It is scarcely necessary to add, that the Latin word,
Genera, is used throughout this work for the plural o^ genus,
the same as it is in that language. Notwithstanding my
endeavours to the contrary, some terms have almost imper-
ceptibly glided into the work which may require explanation
to the uninitiated reader; I have therefore added a Glossary
of such words, and have also given the meaning of the terms
adopted by Mr. Vigors, and mentioned above in explana-
tion of the Quinary arrangement.

In studying scientific works on ornithology, it will be
useful to know the terms which are applied to the different
parts of the bodies of birds; they are as follow:

The Head, Caput, consists of the Bill, liostriim; the

ostrils, Nares;ihe Cere or Wax, Cera ; tho Tongue,
Lingua ; the Face, Capistrum ; the Forehead, Frons ; the
Crown, Vertex; the Hindhead, Occiput; the Crest, Crista;
the Eyes, Oculi ; the Eyebrows, Supercilia; the Ca-
runcules, Carunculee ; the Lore, Lorum ; the Orbits, Or-
hitcB ; the Cheeks, Gence ; the Temples, tempora ; the Ears,
Aures ; the Beard, Barha.

Of the Neck, Collum; the Nape, Nucha; the hind
part of the Neck, Occiput; Chin, Gula ; Throat, Jugulum.

1

96

INTRODUCTION.

Of the Body, Corpus; BsLck, Dorsum ; Rump, Uropn-
gium; Interscapular, Inierscapulium ; Shoulders, Humeri ;
Breast, Pectus; Axilliaries, Axilla; Hypochondres, Hi/-
pochondrice ; Bell}', Abdomen ; Vent, Crissum.

Of the Wings, Alee; W ing.coveris, Tectrices ; Bastard-
wing, Alula spuria; Scapulars, /S'c«pu/are* ; Wing-spot,
Speculum.

Of the Tail, Cauda; Tail Feathers, Rectrices ; Tail-co-
verts, Tectrices Caudce.

Of the Legs, Crura; Thighs, Femora; Bracelets, Ar-
millce ; Shins, Crura; Toes, Digiti ; — 1, for walking, ^ m-
bulatorii ; 2, Salient or leaping, Grcssorii ; 3, Climbing,
Scansorii; 4, Prehensile, Prehensilis; Tridactyle, Tridac-
/y/t, having three toes, cursor}' ; Didactjic, Didactyli, having
two toes, the Ostrich only.

Of the Foot, Pes ; Palmated, Natatorius; Semipalmated,
Semipalmalus ; Lobated, Lobatus ; Pinnated, Pinnatus ;
Claws, Ungues ; Spines or Spurs, Calcaria.

Horns, Cornua ; Wattles, Carunculce ; Pouch, Saccvs
Jugularis ; Crop, Ingluvies.

1 take leave of the Introductory portion of my work in
the following words of Drummond :

" Sweet Birds ! that sing away the early hours,
Of winters past, or coming void of care.
Well pleased with delights which present are.
Fair seasons, budding sprays, sweet smelling flowers ;
To rocks, to springs, to rills, from leavy bowers.
Ye yonr Creator's goodness do declare."

ORNITHOLOGIA,

PART THE FIRST.

BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

"The spring
fs the earth enamelling.
And the Birds, on every tree.
Greet this morn with melody."

Browne's SJicpherd'i Pipe.

ORNITHOLOGIA.

PART THE FIRST.

BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

My Theme is of Birds — of those Princes of Air,
Who oft warble for man, and oft lighten his care : —
Of those who rapaciously pounce on their prey —
The Ra PTORs,who wing, too, with swiftness their way; —
Of Insessors, 'mongst whom dwell the Ciiildrek

of Song —
The tribe to whom perching will ever belong; —
Of the Rasors distinguish'd by scratching the ground,
And nigh to the dwellings of man much abound ; —
Of Grallators who wade in pursuit of their food.
On the shores of the sea, or in rills of the wood ; —
Of Natators who SM;im,— near the waters reside; —
Whom to meet chose the Eagle, in fulness of pride : —
All, to pleasure obedient, bade care haste away,
And, 'midst Melody's Sons, pass'd a rapturous day.

f2

100 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Resolved that amusement was good for the state.
The Aquiline MonarcHjC) in council sedate,

C) OrtDER, AcciPiTREs, (LittH.) Eagle, Hawk, Kite,
Buzzard, Falcon, &c.

The term Eagle is applied to various birds which are ar-
ranged by LiNN^us under the genus denominated by him
Falco, of which he described only thirty-two species ; such,
however, has been the assiduity of subsequent research, that
above two hundred and thirty species are described in Dr.
LATHAivrs last work.

The following may be considered as the chief of this rapacious
tribe, tlie distinguishing characteristics of which are, a hooked
bill, the base covered with a cere, the head covered with close
set feathers, the tongue bifid. They are bold, and fly with
great speed when high in the air, but slowly in the lower re-
gions ; their sense of sight is exquisite ; their legs and feet are
scaly ; the middle and outer toes connected j they are not gre-
garious. They feed sometimes on putrid carcasses, but, more
commonly, attacking living animals, destroy and devour them.
They build their nests, (those of the Eagles, and some others of
the tribe, arc called eyries,) for the most part, in the clefts of
impending rocks ; some of the Hawks on trees. They are
scattered over the various parts of the globe : upwards of
twenty species are found in the interior or on the coasts of this
country. In many of the tribe the female is larger than the
male. .Several of the genus arc migratory. Indeed, from their
power and rapidity of flight, they are enabled to visit most of
the regions of the globe. From the great changes in the colour
of the feathers of several of the genus during their pro^'ress to
maturity, considerable confusion exists among ornithologists in
the names of several of the species ; nor am I able to rectify the
numerous discordances which have thence arisen.

THE GOLDEN EAGLE. 101

Proclamation sent forth over hill, over dale,
Over land, over sea, over mountain and vale : —

The Chrysaetos y* or GoLTi EH Eagle, has the cere yellow; body
variegated with brown and rusty ; tail black, waved at the base
with cinereous, and beneath white ; legs yellovvijih rusty, fea-
thered down to the toes. It is generally about three feet long,
and weighs about twelve pounds; a female was once found
which measured in length three feet and a half, and eight feet
across with the wings extended. It lives very long, occasionally,
it is said, more than a century ; endures great abstinence, some-
times for more than twenty days. Breeds in Scotland, Ireland,
and sometimes on Snowdon hills in Wales ; scarce in England ;
found also in the Alps, Germany, Russia, India, and North
America. Feeds on sheep, and also on geese and other
poultry. Eggs three or four, greyish white; but it rarely
hatches more than two.

This bird in its habits is said to be untameable, it not be-
coming fond even of those who feed it. It does not arrive at
maturity till its fourth year; during the period of its growth it
puts on various appearances; the Fulvus, see forward, is said
by some authors to be the young of this species ; yet this ad-
mits of considerable question.

Two instances have occurred in Scotland of its having flown
away with infants to its nest; in both cases the theft was dis-
covered, so liiat the children were not materially injured* A
finely wrought up story on the Eagle's taking away " Hannah

* It has already been mentioned in the Introduction that,
in order to avoid repetition, and to save room, in describing
the species under each genus, the gtneric term is uniformly
omitted. Thus, the Chrysa'etos is to be understood as Faico
Chrysaetos ; the Ossi/ragus as Falco Ossifragus, and so of the other
genera. It may be useful to mention this again here, in order
to obviate the possibility of mistake.

102 BRITISH AMD EUROPEAN BIRDS.

That his people, the Birds, on a day named should

meet,
And that He would himself there be proud them to

greet.

Lamond's Bairv,"\n related in Blackwood's Magazine^ for October,
1826, in a Review of Selby's ornithology.

The following lines, tlie production of Percival, an Ame-
rican poet, are the commencement of an Address to the Eagle,
which appears in the American Souvenir, a Christmas Present, or
New Year's Offering, for 1827, published at New York. This
poem is one of those racy originals which at once delight arfd
surprise ns : it is a fine specimen of the talent and genius of our
kindred of the west :

" Bird of the broad and sweeping wing,

Thy home is high in heaven.

Where wide the storms iheir banners fling,

And the tempests clouds are driven.

Thy throne is on the mountain top,

Tliy fields the boundless air ;

And hoary peaks that proudly prop

The skies, thy dwellings are."

The Ossifragus, Sea-Eagle or Osprey, inhabits Europe and
North America; and is found occasionally in various parts of
Great Britain and Ireland. It is as large as the Golden Eagle.
The whole body is dark brown, intermixed with rust colour ;
cere and legs yellow ; tail feathers white on the inner side.
Builds in inaccessible rocks or on lofty trees. Its food princi-
pally fish ; but it feeds also on other animals. Two Eagles of
this species were taken from a nest in Ireland and kept
together for more than two years ; in the third year one of
them killed the other and devoured it, most probably from not
being supplied with sufficient food; for they lived together
before in perfect harmony. — Montagu. Although this bird will

r

THE BALD EAGLE — RIN(^-TA1LED EAGLE. 103

And lest that some Raptors, as KESTHiLor Kite —
All those with sharp claws and in death that delight,

attack the salmon, and even the seal, it is said that it cannot
dive after it. Puny thus describes the manner of this bird's
taking its tinny prey: "Superest Haliaeetos, clarissimsi oculorum
acie, librans ex alto sese, visoque in mari pisce, praeceps in
earn mens, et discussis pectore aquis rapiens." See Note 2,
Part ii. for a poetical imitation of this description by Mr.
GisBORNB ; see also below, article Haliaetos.

The Leucocephalus, or Bald Eagle, has a brown body ; head
and tail white } cere and legs yellow ; three feet three inches
long ; feeds on hogs, lambs, and fish ; nest large, on trees ; eggs
two ; inhabits the woods of Europe and America. Wilson
thinks this the same as the Ossi/ragus, in a diflferent stage of
colour. The following picture from the masterly hand of that
anthor will convey some idea of a habit of this bird :

'*High o*er the watery uproar silent seen
Sailing sedate in majesty serene.
Now 'midst the pillar'd spray sublimely lost,
And now emerging, down the rapids toss'd,
Glides the Bald Eagle, gazing, calm and slow,
O'er all the horrors of the scene below :
Intent alone to sate himself with blood,
From the torn victims of the raging flood."

Wilson's American Ornithology.

The Fulvus, Ring-tailed Eagle, or Black EaglCy inhabits
Great Britain, Europe, Asia, and America ; length two feet
and a half, Wilson says nearly three feet. This bird is trained
by the Tartars to hunt hares, antelopes, and foxes. The tail
has a white baud, whence, of course, its name. The quill fea-
thers are used to mount arrows. There is a variety with a
white tail, the tip of which is brown.

It is a very desiructive bird ; rare in the south of this king-

104 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Should come, by ferocity prompted alone,
It was, by an Edict imperial, made known,

doni, but has been met wilh in Uerbysliiie. One was shot at
Warkworlh, measuring in extent of wing eleven feet and a
quarter, which is considerably more than that of the Golden
Eagle ; and hence it cannot be the young of that bird. See the
first article.

The Cyaneas, or Hen-Harrier, is, the male about seventeen
inches long; plumage blue grey, beneath, white: the female,
described by naturalists under the name of the Pygargus, or
Ring-tail, is twenty inches long; plumage above, dusky ; be-
neath, palish. Found in this country, and other parts of Eu-
rope ; also in Asia. Wilson describes a Ring-tail nearly three
feet long, which is found in the northern parts of America.

The Strpentarius, Serpent Vulture, Secretary Vulture,
Secretary, or Snake Eater, has a black body, the hind liead
crested, tail feathers white at the lips, the legs very long ; three
feet high; feeds on small animals. Inhabits the interior of
Africa and the Philippine Islands.

This is arranged as a distinct genus by Dr. Latham, and by
him called Secretary. Mr. Vigors seems to consider it as
the Jirsi of his families of Rapt ores, under the term Gypogerauus,
one being still wanting.

The Uarpyia, Crested Eagle, Crowned Vulture, or Oronookoo
Eagle, is rather larger than a turkey ; bill black ; the head
crested, with long feathers, which it erects in the shape of a
coronet; upper parts of the body mostly black, beneath white ;
hind part of the neck^ fulvous. Inhabits Mexico, Brazil, and
other parts of South America: it is said that it can cleave a
man's skull at one stroke !

The GuWcus, or French Eagle, inhabits France, is two
feet long, has the body grey brown ; builds on the ground, and
lays three grey eggs.
The Barbatus,ov Bearded Eagle, consists of three varieties ;

THE KITE — THE OSPREY. 105

That all must appear without malice prepense :
Who offended in this would the monarch incense ;

one of which inhabits the Alps, the other two, Persia. It has a
brown back, and a black stripe above and beneath the eyes;
tnfts of black hair cover the nostrils, others are on the lower man-
dible; and similar hairs form a beard. The whole of the body
covered with yellow down. Four feet long ; builds in rocks,
and preys on quadrupeds ; will attack men when asleep ; flies
in flocks.

Accoi-ding to this account, the Beardt^d Eagle must be one
of tli« largest of the tribe.

The MikuSj Kite, Gleady or Puttock, inhabits Europe, Asia,
and Africa, and is well known in various parts of Great Britain;
about two feet long; the cere is yellow; the body is ferrugi-
nous; head whitish; tail forked. Four varieties. Feeds on
otfal and poultry; fortels storms by its clamour; flies placidly.
Eggs three, whitish with yellowish spots ; migrates into Europe
the beginning of April. Three other varieties.

The Austriacus, or Austrian Kite, inhabits the woods of
Austria ; legs yellow ; body above chesnut, beneath brick-dust
colour, spotted w ith brown ; tail forked. Size of the Kite ;
feeds on birds and bats.

The Haliceetos, Osprry, Bald Buzzard, Fishing Hawk,
Fish Haickf or Fishing Eagle, inhabits the marshes of Europe,
America, and Siberia, and builds among reeds, sometimes on
ruins, sometimes on trees ; nest large, often tlnee or four feet
in breadth, and from four to five feet high, composed externally
of sticks; (this account of the nest is from Wilson.) It is
about two feet long ; feeds on fishes, which it catches by diving.
Body brown above, white beneath ; head white ; cere and feet
blue. Four varieties. The habits of this bird are, I presume,
similar to the Ossifragus or Sea-Eagle mentioned above, and
Pliny's description of its taking its prey will, most pro-
bably, apply to both ; but it is greatly to be lamented that so

f2

106 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Even Ravens, he said, must their croaking avoid ;
Nor with screams of the Peacock would he be an-
noyed.

much confusion is found among naturalists iu regard to names.
T am sorry that it is not in my power to remove these discre-
pancies.

A remarkable trait, mentioned by Wilson, in the character
of this bird deserves notice : the Grakles, or Crow BlackbirdSf
are permitted by the Fish-hawk to build iheir nesls among the
interstices of the sticks with whicli his own nest is constructed.
Several pairs of Grakles taking up their abode there, like humble
vassals around the castle of their chief; laying, hatching their
young, and living together in mutual harmony. Wilson found
four of such nest clustered around one nest of the Fishini;
Hawk.

" The sailing Osprey high is seen to soar,
With broad unmoving wing; and circling slow
Marks each loose straggler in the deep below ;
Sweeps down like lightning! plunges with a roar!
And bears his struggling victim to the shore."

Wilson's Amer. Ornith.

The ButeOf Buzzard, or Puttock, inhabits Great Britain and
Europe at large ; body brown, belly pale with brown spots ;
legs yellow : it varies in its colours; length twenty inches;
feeds on birds, insects, and small animals.

The Mruginosus, or Moor-Buzzard, inhabits England, and
Europe generally; body grey; the crown, arm-pits, and le^s,
yellow; twenty-one inches long; builds in marshes; lives on
fish, aquatic birds, rabbits, and mice; varies in colour.

My friend, the elegant and accomplished poet and scholar,
the Rev. W. L. Bowles, vicar of Bremhill, Wilts, has a Buzzard
demesticated so far that it rarely quits the neighbourhood of the
house and gardens : it is, of course, occasionally fed ; it has

THE MANSFENNY THE HAWK, 107

Could I dare, Inspiration! to quaff from thy
spring,
Of the Birds and their Songs I might worthily sing.

been known to swallow thirteen mice at one meal; some of the
mice were, however, young ones ; after which it became, for
several days, extremely stupid and indisposed for motion.*

The AntUlarum, or Mansfenny, inhabits the West India
islands; it is about eighteen inches long; body brown, belly
white, the crown black ; legs and claws large and strong. —
The Orietitalis, or Oriental Hawk, inhabits Japan; tlie head
and body above dusky brown, beneath rusty brown; tail
spotted with white ; seventeen inches long.

The TimunculuSy Hawk, Kestril, Kestril Falcon^ Kastrii,
Castril,1r Coystrelf Steivgallj Slonegull, Stannel, fi^ind-hoveVj or
Hover-Hawkf the most commonly known in this country, of all
the tribe of Hawks. The male is thirteen inches long, bill lead
colour, cere yellow ; irids dusky and large ; the throat whitish ;
the back, scapulars, and wing coverts are a fine red brown,

* The term Hawk is a very indefinite one; it has been oc-
casionally applied to the Buzzard ; thus Dry den sings :
" Some haggard Hawk who had her eyry nigh,
Well pounc'd to fasten, and well winy'd to fly :
One they might trust tlieir common wrongs to wreak :
The Musquet and ihe Coysirel were too weak.
Too fierce the Falcon ; but, above the rest,
The noble Buzzard ever pleas'd me best ;
Of small renown 'tis true ; for, not to lye,
We call him but a Hawk by courtesy."

Hind and Panther.
The muaqirely or mvsket, here mentioned, is the male of tlie
Sparrow Huwk.

t See Drayton's Ojc/, Dryden's Hind and Panther^
Part III, and the preceding note.*

108 BRITISH AND EUROPilAN BIRDS.

On thy Presence^ bright Essence ! my hope will pre-
sume—
That thy smile of approval my song may illume ; —

spotted and barred \\'\{\\ black; l>eneat!i, liglii ferniginotis,
barred witli black ; tail cinereous grey, with a black bar near
the end ; legs yellow. The female is considerably larger than
the male ; the head and tail the same colour as the back, which
is not so bi ight a red-brown as the male ; beneath, lighter than
the male, but the black ppots not so distinct ; eggs from four
to six, not po large as a pigeon's; colour reddish brown, with
dark blotches ; nest on trees, and sometimes in a deserted mag-
pie's or crow's rest. Inhabits England, Europe, and Siberia.
Feeds principally on njice, sometimes on cockchafers, occasi-
onally on birds ; seen hovering in the air and quite stationary
for some lime, tlien pouncing suddenly down on its prey.
This bird is a very useful one. In a paper read before the
Linnean Society containing some valuable observations on the
Birds vf Norfolk and Suffolk by the Rev. R. Sheppahd and the
Rev. W. Whitear, May 3, 1825, it is stated, that a hawk of
this kind was observed to dart upon a weasd and immediately
to mount aloft with it in its talons; but liad not proceeded far
before both fell from a considerable height to the ground j the
weasel ran rff, but the Kestril, upon examination, was found to
have been killed by a bite in its throat. This bird is said to
migrate to the north early in the spring ; there are several varie-
ties ; it was formerly trained to catch game.

The Pulurtiharius, or Goshawk, inhabits England, Europe,
and North America. Legs yellow, body brown, tail feathers
with pale bands; length twenty-two inches ; devours poultry,
and was formerly much used in falconry. — The Nisus, Spar-
row-hawk, or Spar. Hawk, inhabits England, Europe,
Africa, and Madeira. The legs are yellow, body above yellow-
ish brown, beneath, white waved with grey, tail with blackish
bands. Male twelve inches, the female fifteen inches long.

THE SrARROW-IIAWK— THE FALCON. 109

That, to Nature, to Truth, and to Science, devote,
My Harp may respond with a musical note ; —

Two other varieties : one spotted with white, the other entirely
white. It is very bold, and preys on poultry, pigeons, part-
ridges, &c. Sometimes tamed and flies about gardens ; it has
been also taught to catch larks. The male of this species was
formerly called a musket.

The Gtjrfulco, or Brown G\rfalcon, inhabits Europe, and
preys on cranes and pigeons. The Lannarius, or Lanner, is the
size of the Buzzard ; three varieties. Inhabits England, Eu-
rope, and Tartary. Builds in low trees; migrates: much es-
teemed in falconry. The Vespertinus, or Ingrian Falcon, in-
habits Inirria, Russia, and Siberia; size of a pigeon ; builds on
trees, or takes possession of a magpie's nest ; preys on quails ;
flies abroad chiefly in the evening or at night. The Subbuteo
or Hobby, inhabits England, Europe, and Siberia ; back brown,
belly palish, with oblong brown spots; twelve inches long;
two varieties ; preys on larks. The (Esoloiit or Merlin, in-
habits Europe ; body above bluish ash, with rusty spots and
stripes ; beneath, yellowish white with oblong spots ; length
twelve inches. Migrates southerly on the approach of winter ;
often seen in England. Three other varieties found in the
West Indies, or New York. The Pumilius, or Tiny Falcon,
has the body brown ash, beneath whitish, with blackish bars.
Said to be the smallest of the genus, being hardly six inches
long ; inhabits Cayenne ; but the Cerulescens, a native of Java,
described by Ur. Horsfield, and a specimen of which is in
the East India House Museum, is, I believe, still smaller.

The Communis^ Common Falcon, Yearly Falcon, Aged Falcon,
or Falcon Gentle, of which there are above ten varieties, inha-
bits Europe and North America, some of its varieties, China,
Hudson's Bay, and India. The general colour of the plumage
is brown, the feathers edged with rusty ; body beneath white,
irregularly marked with brown ; the tail with darker transverse

110 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

That Science affianc*d with Nature, fair bride,
With Thee and with Truth o'er my Song may pre-
side :

bands ; bill bluish ash ; legs green or yellow ; length eighteen
inches ; feeds on various animals. The above is the usual co-
lours of the bird at three years old ; but it puts on different ap-
pearances from year to year till it arrives at that age. One
variety is entirely white, with scarcely visible yellow spots;
another brownish black; another spotted with black and red.

The mule is considerably smaller than the female, and hence
he has been called a Tircelet^ Tercell, or Tassel ; he is also said to
be much less courageous than the female, and hence she was
the bird usually employed in Hawking , a sport which was for-
merly so much in repute; but which has, deservedly, given way
to other and more praiseworthy occupation, I trust never to be
revived : we may hope too that the intelligence which is abroad
will ultimately banish from among men the puerile pursuits of
hunting and shooting animals for sport, than which what can be,
to an intellectual being, more derogatory or degrading ? Hawk-
ing, hu7iting, shooting, emd fishing for sport are all the remains
of the prejudices and customs of barbarous ages : it is time that
a high and diffused intelligence should lift up its voice and
discountenance so great a departure from the dignity of intel-
lectual man.

Some of the Falcon tribe have been used in Asia for hunting
Hares, Deer, S^c. Mr. Southey alludes to this sport in Thalabu:

**The deer bounds over the plain :
The lagging dogs behind
Follow from afar !
But lo ! the Falcon o'er head

Hovers with hostile wings
And buffets him with blinding strokes."

Thalaba, vol. ii. page 129.
The Peregrinus, Peregrine Falcon, or Duck Hawk, is found

THE FALCON. 11 I

But soft — some warbler's echoing lay
On Zephyr's waves seems borne away; —
And now, o'er woodland, grove, and dell,
Still louder the melodious swell !

on some of oiir rocky shores, and builds commonly in the most
inaccessible cliffs; it was formerly much used in falconry, and,
being a bold and powerful bird, was in great esteem ; it was,
however, chiefly used in the taking of Ducks, and other water-
fowl,— whence one of its names.

In concluding this long note on an important genus of birds
it may just be added, that by the 9th of Hen. VII, " taking the
eggs of any Fawcons, Goshawks, Laners, or Swannes, out ot
the neste," rendered the offender liable " to be imprisoned for a
year and a day, and a fine at the king's will:" and that the Duke
of St. Alban's is still hereditary grand Falconer of England :
but the office is not exercised. There are also several statute*
relating to hawks and their eggs, which it may be sufficient
merely to mention : they are, it is presumed, all become a
dead letter.

It may also be observed that, in former times, and in many
countries, the custom of carrying a falcon about was esteemed
a mark of a man of rank : many persons of distinction were
painted with a hawk on the hand. Aristotle, Pliny, and many
other ancient writers, speak of the method of catching birds by
means of hawks ; but, it is said, that falconry was practised
with far more spirit and universality among the ancient Britons
than in any other nation; that it commenced as early as the
fifth century, and was cultivated as late as the fifteenth, when
the introduction of the use of gunpowder most probably super-
seded the use of birds, as means of obtaining game.

112

THE WOOD-LARK'S INVOCATION.

Alaudu, arborea. (Linn.)
Goddess of the realm of Song !
Round whose throne the Warblers throng.
From thy bright, cerulean sphere
Deign our humble notes to hear !

Love demands our earliest lay ; —
Love, the monarch of our may ; —
lo paeans let us sing
While we welcome laughing spring.

May, with feet bedropp'd with dew.
On yon hill-top is in view ; —
May, whose arch look, winning wiles.
Youth on tip-toe oft beguiles.

Goddess of the soul of Song !
Thou to whom delights belong,
Deign to prompt the Warblers' Lay ;
Deign to deck the coming day.(^)

(*) Order, Passeres, (Linn,) Lark, the VV oon, the Tn,

the Rock, the Meadow, &c.
The Genus Alauda, {Linn.) or Lark, comprehends more
than fifty species distinguished by a sharp, pointed, vslender, hill,
nostrils covered partly with feathers and bristles: tongue cIovch
at the end : toes divided to their origin : claw of the back toe
very long, a little crooked : their motion running not hopping.
The following are the chief:

The Arvensis, or Sky-lark, for an account of which see the
Sky-lark's Song.

THE LARK. 113

Lo ! the Place! — by a river whose stream runs
along
In a warble as soft as the Nightingale's song ;
In whose deeps of clear crystal the maculate trout
Is seen swiftly darting or sporting about ; —

The Arborea, or Wood-lark, is less than the sky-lark : the
plumage is more pale and inclined to rufous, yet varied like
that bird : the head is surrounded with a white ring or fillet ;
legs flesh coloun Found in this country, throughout Europe,
and, it is said, in Siberia and Kamtschatka. Nest on the ground
in tufts of grass, like the skylark : eggs four or five, dusky
brown blotched with dusky, with smaller reddish spots. It
sings as it flies: but it also perches on trees, when it likewise
sings : its note has been compared to the blackbird's and the
nightingale's : it is however a sweet and varied song. It some-
times soars to a great height in the air, flying in circles, and
continues so to do for a long time. It is not gregarious like the
artensis, being rarely seen in greater number than six or seven
together.

The Pratensis, or Tit-lark, inhabits Europe in low grounds,
and well known in this country : it is five and a half inches long:
has a fine note, and sings sitting on trees or on the ground.
The bill is black: body above dusky brown, beneath, white:
breast ochre yellow with oblong black spots : legs yellowish :
nest on the ground.

The Magna, Meadow-lark, or Old Field-lark, of Wilson,
is ten inches and a half long, extent sixteen and a half: throat,
belly, breast, a rich yellow ; inside lining and edge of the wing
the same colour; back beautifully variegated with black,
bright bay, and pale ochre; legs and feet pale flesh-colour and
very large. Nest, in or beneath a thick tuft of grass, com-
posed of dry glass and fine bent, and wound all round leaving

114 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Here the hill's gentle slope to the river descends,
Which, in sinuous course, through a wilderness

wends; —
There, amid lofty rocks, hung with ivy and yew,
Doth echo, the wood-nymph her pleasure pursue ;
And the comb, and the glen, and the shadowy vale,
Invite the fond lover to tell his soft tale.
The woods and thick copses, as mansions of rest,
Many warblers oft choose for their home and their

nest;

an arched entrance level with the ground. Feeds on insects
and grass seeds ; flesh good, little inferior to the quail. Inha-
bits North America from Canada to New Orleans. — Thongli
this well known species cannot boast of the powers of song
which distinguish the sky-lark of Enrope, yet in richness of
plumage as well as in sweetness of voice, as far as its few notes
extend, it is eminently supeiior. It differs however from the
tribe in wanting the long straight hind claw. Wilson.

The Obscurttf Rock-lark, Dusky-LarJc, or Sea-Larky inha-
bits rocky places in England, and most probably other parts of
Europe ; it is about seven inches long ; solitary and sings little;
note like the chirp of a grasshopper. — The Minor^ Field-lark,
Lesser Field-lark, Short-lieekd Field-larky or Meadow-lark, visits
this country in the spring; sometimes mistaken for the Tit-
lark* The Nemorosa vel cristata, Crested-lark, or Lesser-
Crested-larky is said to inhabit Europe, and like the Buliinch,
to learn with ease to repeat tunes played or sung to it. Orni-
thologists are not however, agreed about the identity or even
existence of this bird. The Tricialis, Pipit-lark, or Pippit,
has the upper parts of the body a rusty olivaceous-brown
streaked with dusky, beneath, ferruginous. The Rubra, Red.
LARK, or Lark from Pennsylvania, is rather larger than the Sky-
lark, and a rare species in this country.

THE PIGEON.

115

A place where content in a cottage might dwell; —
A place that a hermit might choose for his cell ;—
Where, afar from all strife and all tumult and pride,
The nymph Tranquil Pleasure delights to reside ; —
Where, in meadow or grove or the woodlands among.
The Birds may be heard in melodious song.

The Time, when the Spring, in his splendid array,
Commanded cold Winter to hasten away;—
When the woods and the groves, decked in garments

of green,
With laughing delight and with pleasure were seen.
The cowslip with fragrance the meadow perfum'd,
And the primrose the dark bank with yellow illum'd ;
The cuckoo flower peep'd from the pasture's soft bed.
And the yellow ranunculus* lifted her head.
The violet drooping seemed ready to die;
To part with such sweetnessj, ah ! who will not sigh ?
The Thrush's, the Blackbird's, and Nightin-
gale's, song
Were heard now and then the dark copses among;
Whilst a crowd of soft melodists, hid in the grove,
Seem'd anxious their musical powers to prove :
In a hedge sang theBLACK-CAP, what time in the yew.
The WooD-piGEON cried '^Two, two, Taffy y take two."
Other Pigeons (^) e'er active, and oft on the wing,
Proclaim'd, by their cooing, the presence of spring.

(3). Order, Passeres, (Linn.) Pigeon, Dove, &c.
The genus ColumbUf (Limt.) to which the Common Pi-
geon, or Columba Domestica belongs, is a very extensive one,

* Ranunculus acm— Buttercup or Gqldcup.

116 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

The Winter Birds all were quite ready for flight,
But most of them tarried to see the gay sight.

consisting of more ti)an one hundred and thirty species, the
characteristics of which are, a straight bill, descending towards
the tip ; nostrils oblong, half covered with a soft, tumid mem-
brane. The cooing of this tribe of birds is well known, and by
which it appears to be peculiarly distinguished from every other
genus. The young are also fed with grain made soft in the crop
and ejected into their mouths from the beaks of the parent
birds. On this account, as well as some other peculiarities,
they are arranged by Dr. Latham as a separate orcfe7', consist-
ing of one genus only ; Mr. Vigors has arranged it among the
Rasors. The following are the chief:

The Domesticaj Domestic or Common Pigeon, is too well
known to need description. It inhabits and is domesticated in
almost every part of Europe and Asia. The varieties are very
numerous : the Rovghfoottdj the Tumblirf the Horseman, the
Carrier, and the Fan-tail, are among the chief. It is about four-
teen inches long, and exceedingly variable in its colours ; lays
from nine to eleven times a year j eggs two, white; time of in-
cubation fiom fifteen to eighteen days ; feeds on grain ; flesh, it
is scarcely necessary to say, generally esteemed. See the con-
clusion of this note; and also the articles Stock-dove and
Rock-dove.

Pigeon-Houses are of various kinds. "Where the numbers
kept are not large they are usually of wood of a triangular
shape, and fixed against a wall out of the reach of vermin and
other annoyance; but where a large number is kept,

" Some touer rotund
Shall to the pigeons and their callow young
Safe roost afford."

Mason's English Garderif book iv.

The (Enas, Stock-pigeon, or Stock-dove, is bluish, neck glossy

THE STOCK DOVE. 1 17

The morning walk'd forth in fair beauty's bright
dress;
The sun rose delighted all things to caress ;

green; double band on the wings, and tip of the tail blackish;
throat and breast claret colour; claws black; fourteen inches
long; inliabits old turrets and rocky banks of Europe and Si-
beria; found also in this country ; breeds sometimes in old rab-
bit burrows, sometimes on trees ; migrates southerly in winter ;
some however remain in England the whole of the year.

This has been supposed by some naturalists to be the pigeon
whence all our domestic pigeons are derived. The Rev. Mr.
Jenyns, however, in his Ornithology nf Cambridgeshire, lately
published in the Transactions of the Cambridge Philosophical
Society, says, as far as he has observed, that " the Stock-dove
never coos, but utters only a hollow rumbling note during the
breeding season, which may be heard at a considerable distance.
Montague," he continues, "has evidently confounded this
species with the Rock-dove, (Columba livia Temm.) which is
supposed to be the origin of our dove-house pigeons, and is
found in a wild state upon some of the steep shores and cliifs of
Great Britain, but is not a native of Cambridgeshire." He
adds, •' the Stock-dove and Ring-dove are indiscriminately called
wood-pigeons by the country people."

From this we gather what great uncertainty and confusion
still prevails on one of the commonest subjects of ornithology;
and the necessity there is for a more correct record of facts
concerning it. I may just add, I never heard of any Wood-
pigeons in Somersetshire that do not coo. With great deference
to the Rev. Mr. Jenyns, I suspect that many persons would be
disposed to call the *' hollow rumbling notes" of this bird, coo-
ing, which I believe I heard in Forest-hill wood, in May 18'i7.

The Poets generally concur with the commonly received opi-
nion, that the Stock-dove coos ; and although, as we have seen in
the Introduction, their statements are not to be implicitly relied

118 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

What time became ting'd with his radiance the sky,
The Eagle majestic was soaring on high ;

on, yet, where so much concurrent testimony is extant, the sub-
ject most certainly deserves further inquiry; and in this respect
Mr. Jenyns merits the thanks of the Natural Historian for the
facts which he has recorded concerning this bird ; and it is to be
hoped that we shall, ere long, become better acquainted with
the columba livia, or Rock-dove, to which the reverend gen-
tleman has alluded.

I heard a Stock-dove siiig or say,

His homely tale this very day ;

His voice was buried among trees,

Yet to be come at by the breeze :

He did not cease ; but cooed and cooed ;

And somewhat pensively he wooed;

He sang of love with quiet blending,

Slow to begin and never ending;

Of serious faith, and inward glee,

That was the song— the song for me.

Wordsworth.

The Stock-dove, recluse with her mate,
Conceals her fond bliss in the grove,

And, murmuring, seems to repeat,
Tiiat May is the mother of love.

CUNMNGUAN.

For an account of the Ring-dove or Wood-pigeon, see the
Ring-dove's Lament.

The Liviaf Rock-dove, fVild-dove, fVhite-rumped Pigeon, or
Rockier J has been considered, by some ornithologists, as a sepa-
rate species, by Dr. Latham as a variety only of the Stock-dove.
Mr.SELBY, in his Illustrations of British Ornithology j considers
it as a distinct species, in this agreeing with the Rev. Mr.^
Jentns as noticed in the last article. The Rock-dove is said, iu

THE TURTLE DOVE.

119

Around him flew Falcons, the while in the air
Birds many and noisy his presence declare.

form and size, to be very nearly like the Stock-dove, but the
Rock-dove is rather more slender; the predominant shades of
each are much the same, the principal variations consisting in
the colonr of the nimp, which, in the Stock-dove, is invariably
bluish grey, but in the Rock-dove generally white, hence one of
its names. The habits of these two species are however more
strongly marked; while the Stock-dove inhabits woods and the
interior of the country, the Rock-dove is always met with in
rocky places and those principally on the sea coast. It is found
on various cliffs on our own shores, particularly on Caldy island
in South Wales, and in the Orkneys, breeding in the innermost
recesses of caves of very large dimensions, beyond the situation
chosen by auks, gulls, &c. It is also very numerous on the
rocky islands of the Mediterranean, abundant in North Africa
and on the island of Teneriffe. In short it appears that this
species, and not the Slock-dove^ is the genuine original of onr
Domestic Pigeons. Eggs two, white; breeds in a wild state
only two or three times a year.

The Tttf^ar, Dove, Turtle Dove, Common Turtle^ or Culver*
inhabits Europe, China, and India ; it arrives in this country in
the spring and leaves it in September; the back is grey, breast
flesh colour; on each side of the neck a spot of black, feathers
tipt with white; tail feathers tipt with white ; length twelve
inches. Two other varieties. Migrates in flocks; breeds in
thick woods ; very shy and retired ; a pest to fields of peas.
It is found in this country chiefly in Kent ; more rarely in the
west or north; I never saw it in a wild stale in Somersetshire.
Its nest is said to be composed of sticks ; eggs two, white.

The supposed faithfulness of this bird to its mate is very qnes-

* '* Like as the Culver on the bared bongh

Sits mourning for the absence of her mate."

Spencer, Sonnet Ixxxviii.
1

120 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

On a rock high, commanding, the monarch, atlength,
Perch'd with grace while displaying his wings of broad
strength.

tionable, although the poets have been so profuse in their appeals
to it. One of the latest poems relative to the Dove, is written
and set to music by Mr. Bowles ; it is a song of which the fol-
lowing is the first stanza :

'' Go beautiful and gentle Dove
And greet the morning ray,
For lo ! the sun shines bright above,
And the rain is pass'd away."

The Carolinensis, Carolina Pigeon, or Turtle-dove, of the
United States, is twelve inches long ; upper part of the neck
and wings slaty blue; back, scapulars, and lesser wing coverts,
ashy brown; tertials spotted with black; primaries edged with
white ; beneath whitish ; eggs two, deposited in a nest rudely
constructed in an evergreen, a vine, an apple tree, or on the
ground ; male and female unite in feeding the young. Its coo-
ing sounds very melancholy, but is nevertheless not so, in reali-
ty, being the notes of its amorous affection ; feeds on a variety of
seeds and berries ; flesh good. This bird winters in the South-
ern, and is frequent in the Northern States of America, during
the summer.

The Passerina, Ground Pigeon, or Mountain Dove, has a
purplish body, wings and tail dusky. Three other varieties ;
six and a quarter inches long : inhabits the warm parts of
America; feeds on seeds; frequents rocky and mountainous

places.

" Musical

The love-lorn cooing of the mountain dove
That woos to pleasing thonghtfulness flte soul."

Graingkr's Sugar-cane.

The J^Jigraloria, or Passenger Pigeon, inhabits North
America; body above cinereous, beneath vinaceous; breast

GREAT CROWNED INDIAN PIGEON. 121

All Nature was pleas'd: even the clouds o'er the earth
Jn airy light shadows seemed dancing with mirth ;

nifous; wing coverts spotted with black; sides of the neck
purple ; from fifteen to sixteen inches long; flies in large flocks j
troublesome to rice and corn fields. They are seen over the
l)ack woods of America, flying in columns of ten miles long,
where they are caught in a similar way that Bird-catchers around
Loudon catch small birds, with nets, and some pigeons tied to
sticks as fluttering decoys. They are also obtained in other ways.
Their nests are on trees; but they hatch only one bird at a time,
which, while yet young, becomes very fat. This bird affords,
by its abundance, considerable support not only to the Indians
but to the whites; and also to birds of prey, and even pigs, who
pick up the young pigeons that fall from the nests to the ground'.
The Coronata, or Great Crowned Indian Pigeon, is
bluish, above cinereous; shoulders ferruginous; crest eiect,
compressed, five inches long; size of a turkey; brought occasi-
onally alive to this country. Although so gigantic a pigeon, it
has the cooing and all the other characteristics of the tribe. In.
habits New Guinea; it is, of course, a fine and valuable bird.

The Bantamensis has a loud cooing note, for which, in its na-
tive island, Java, it is much admired; a great price is sometimes
paid for this bird. Horsfield.

Of all the pigeon tribe the Carrier and Horseman are the most
extraordinary. These, by training, may be taken to a great dis-
tance from their home, and yet they will, on being let loose, im-
mediately fly to their accustomed habitation.

** Led by what chart, transports the timid dove —
The wreaths of conquest, or the vows of love?
Say, through the clouds what compass points her flight?
Monarchs have gaz'd and nations bless'd the sight.
Pile rocks on rocks, bid woods and mountains rise,
Eclipse her native shades, her native vskies; —
'Tis vain ! through Ether's pathless wilds she goes.
And lights at last where all her cares repose.

122 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Or disparting like rocks, or as turrets high, strong,
They gracefully mov'd fields of ether along ;

Sweet bird, thy truth shall Harlem's walls attest,
And uuborn ages consecrate thy nest."

Rogers's Pleasttres of Memory.

During the siege of Harlem when that city was reduced to
the last extremity, and on the point of opening its gates to a
base and barbarous enemy, a design was formed lo relieve it;
the intelligence was conveyed to the citizens by a letter which
was tied under the wing of a Pigeon. Pliny also informs us,
that the same messenger was employed at the siege of Mutina.

The habits and manners of the domestic pigeon are interest-
ing. Themodo in which they feed their young, by placing their
bills in the young ones' mouths and ejecting the food from the
crop by a sort of pumping, is peculiar to this tribe. Their crop
and its secretion are also peculiar. See the Introduction.

Although domesticated pigeons breed very often in the year,
the Rock-dove very rarely breeds more than twice or thrice j
the increased fecundity of the tame pigeon, arising, it is said,
merely from domestication; hut we do not yet know enough
either of the Stock-dove or Rock-dove in their wild state to describe
their habits with precision. The Sport of shooting at pigeons
from a given distance is a very common one in the neigh-
bourhood of London; it is extremely to be regretted that intel-
lectual man either cannot or will not find a more rational method
of employing his time. RoBiiRT Bloomfield in his Remains,
has touched upon this subject with his usual naivH4 — the reader
who feels like myself on this subject, will be pleased to consult
the Birds and Insects' Post-Office in that Poet's posthumous
volumes. — Drayton well expresses a habit of this tribe:

*' And turning round and round with cutty-coo."

Noah's Ark.
Some laws are in existence for the protection of pigeons as
property ; they are rarely, if ever, it is presumed, acted upon.

THE SWAN. 123

While many a cloiidling unfolded in light
His lining- of gold or of silvery white.

Oh, how shall description with pencil or pen

Pourtray all the Birds now in grove or in glen!

Here the trees* bending branches the Perchers pos-
sess;

There the Waders and Swimmers the waters caress;

While the Scratchers of Earth sought a' worm;
with a bound

The Snatchers flew swiftly aloft and around.*

The Lord of the boundless bright realm of the Air,
With his broad sweeping wing, the proud Eagle, was

there, t
His cere and his feet ting'd with yellowish gold ;
At once he appeared both majectic and bold :
With an eye, beak, and talons, that fierceness express,
Yet both plumage and air what is noble confess, —
A mien most imposing — a monarch supreme.
The SwAN,(*) too, sailed stately adown the clear stream;

(*) Order, Anseres, (Linw.) Swan, Goose, Eider-Duck,
Duck, Teal, Widgeon, Garganey, Sec.

The Genus Anas, of Linnaeus, to which the Swan, ^ was Cyg'-
nus, beh)ngs, is a very large and important tribe of birds, con-

* See the arrangement of Mr. Vigors, as described in the
Introduction.

t The thought in tliis couplet is derived" from iPkRCivAti an
American Poet. See note (1), article Halifc'etos.

G 2

124 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

His plumes of fair white and arch'd neck to display.
While the Cygnets beside him appear'd in ash-grey.

sisting of more than on liimdred and forty species ; it includes
not only the Swan, Goose, and Duck, but many other birds,
such as the Teal, Widgeon, EinER-DucK, &c. The charac-
teristics of the genus are, a broad bill, a broad tongue, and
palmate or webbed feet. It is a very prolific tribe ; some of the
species are found in almost every region of the globe.

The Swan is found both in a tame and wild state. The
Tame Swan or Mute Swan, Cygnus (olor), is next to the bus-
tard, the largest of our British birds, being upwards of five feet
in length, much, however, of which consisting of a very long
neck ; it is distinguibhed by its hissing; its plumage till the se-
cond year is of an ash colour, after which it "becomes perfectly
white. The young are called cygnets. Eggs six or eight ; time
of incubation six weeks.

The swan lives sometimes, it is said, a century, or even more;
it is a powerful animal, and will sometimes attack and beat
ycHng persons. The flesh is said to be wholesome ; but, at pre-
sent, the cygnet only is eaten. The tame swan is frequently seen
on the Thames, and, as an ornament, on many of the waters of
our noblemen and others in difi'erent parts of the country.
Several may be seen on the Serpentine in Hyde Park. It feeds
on various food ; it is generally reputed a great destroyer of the
young fry of fish ; it is also said to be extremely useful in clear-
ing pieces of water from weeds ; it will also eat bread and other
farinacea.

The hen begins to lay in February, producing an egg every
other day. Male and female labour in the formation of the
nest, which consists of water plants, long grass, and sticks,^ ge-
nerally in some retired part or inlet of the bank of the water
on which they are kept. Swan's eggs are white and much lar-
ger than those of a goose.— It is extremely dangerous to be
approached during incubation. This bird is sometimes called

THE WILD SWAN.

125

There were Fieldfares in troops ; of the Missel-
Thrush few ;

These their songs on the elm now and then would
renew.

the mute swan, from its uttering no sound except its hissing. It
is a stately and ornamental bird : thus Thomson:

** The stately sailing swan
Gives out his snowy plumage to the gale,
And, arching proud his neck, with oary feet
Bears onward fierce and guards his osier isle
Protective of his young."

Spring.

Swans and their eggs are protected by several statutes : whe-
ther they are now acted upon I am not aware.

Swan's Doumj as well as the down from most of this tribe of
birds is, it is well known, white, soft, and delicate ; its use for
beds is sufficiently appreciated by the luxurious. See forwards,
article EiDER-DucK.

The Cygnus {ferus)^ Wild Swan, Whistling Swan, Elk, or
Hooper, is inferior in size to the preceding; length four feet
ten inches, and weighs from fifteen to twenty-five pounds. The
beak is black towards the point, yellow for some distance from
the base ; plumage a pure white. Eggs four. It has a very loud
call, greatly resembling that of a cuckoo ; utters a melancholy
sotmd when one of the flock happens to be destroyed ; hence,
said by the poets to sing in dying. It visits the lakes of Scot-
land every winter, but comes more southward only in severe
weather. Found in all the northern regions of the globe.

The Nigricollis, or Black-necked Swan, is found on the
Falkland Islands; the Atrata, or Black Swan, at Botany Bay.
<)f this last the bill is of a rich scarlet; the whole plumage
(except the primaries and secondaries, which are white,) is of
the most intense black. It is larger than the White Swan, of

126 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

The warbling cocA Blackbird, with deep yellow bill,
Was pleas'd his loud notes in rich cadence to trill ;

which it has all the graceful action. The ancients supposed
the Black Swan an imaginary or extremely rare bird. See the
second part.

Of the Goose tribe, the following may be named :
The Cygnoides, Chinese Goose, Muscovy Goose, or Swan
Goosey inhabits Europe, Asia, and Africa ; it is about three feet
long: three varieties} one from Guinea, distinguished by its
erect gait and screaming, is now plentiful in this country, and
said to unite well with the common goose.

The GambensiSf or Sparwinged Goose, inhabits Africa ;
size of the common goose. — The Indicaj or Barrel-headed
Goose, is a native of India; flesh good. — The MelanoluSy or
Black-headed Goose, a native of Coromandel, is two feet
nine inches long. — The Grandis or Great Goose of Siberia,
is the size of the Cygnus ; body dusky, beneath white ; bill
black, legs scarlet. Weighs from twenty to. thirty pounds.
Found in Siberia and Kamtschatka; where they are taken in
great numbers ; flesh, it is presumed, good. The Hyperborea
or Snow Goose, of Europe and North America, is tlnrty-two
inches long; general colour white, except tlie ten first quiis,
which are black with white shafts; the young are blue till one
year old. The most numerous and the most stupid of the goose
tribe. Flies in vast flocks. — Abounds in Hudson's Bay. The
Leucoptera, or Bustard Goose of the Falkland Islands, is
from thirty-two to forty inches long ; flesh good.

The Tadorna, Shieldrakb, Sheldrake, (or rather perhaps)
SCHELT-DRAKE, Burrow, or Barra-Duckf Bargander^ St.
George's Duck, Pirennet, or Sly Goose, has the body variegated
with white, black, and light brown, or russet; flesh rancid; eggs
many, good ; lays in rabbits' burrows near the sea-shore, whence
probably one of its names ; size of a common duck ; inhabits
Europe and Asia. Seen at the mouths of our salt-water rivers

THE BEAN GOOSE — EIDER-DUCK. J27

Where the waters forth gushing, in murmurs down

fell,
The. Thrush a sweet music pour'd out in the dell.

in the summer season with its young, many in number, swim-
ming after it; on the least alarm, both young and old dive with
singular dexterity, and remain under the water for a considerable
time.

The Segetum^ Bean Goose, or Small Grey Goose^ is of an ash-
colour; from two and a half to three feet long; a native of
Hudson's Bay and the Hebrides; in autumn, comes to England
in flocks, and is destructive to corn. The Erythropus, Berna-
CLE, Clakis, or Canada Goose, is found in Europe, sometimes in
America, and in the winter on our sea coasts. Length two feet
or more ; the upper parts of the body black, so also is the tail ;
front white. Breeds in Greenland, Lapland, &c. — The Bemi-
da, Brent Goose, Brand Goose, Rat, or Road Goose, or Clatter
Goose, is brown, the head, neck, and breast, black ; collar white;
a native of North America, Asia, and Europe ; migrates south-
erly in autumn ; flies in wedge-shaped flocks, with perpetual
cackling; flesh, when tamed, good.

The Molissima, Edder, EinER-DuCK, Eider Goose, Cuthberl
Duck, or Colk, is found in the northern parts of Europe, Asia,
and America ; length twenty-two inches ; bill cylindrical, cere
divided behind and wrinkled. The male is white above, but
black beneath and behind j the female greenish; the eggs some-
what less than those of a goose, are five, greenish, in a nest
8tre«ed with its own down taken chiefly from the breast; time
of incubation a month ; flesh and eggs good. Rarely if ever
seen in the south of England ; it breeds in Scotland, particularly
on the Western Isles ; and on Earn Islands, on the coast of
Northumberland; it has also been seen in Norfolk.

The Eider-Duck is a long lived bird ; it has been observed
to occupy the same nest for twenty years successively; the
down is the lightest ^nd warmest known ; that termed live down.

128 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

While all breathless and silent crept softly delight
To listen with day to the Songster of Night :

and found in the nest, is most valued ; that which is plucked from
jhe dead bird is little esteemed. — Eider Down is imported
chiefly from Iceland and other northern countries. It is col-
lected from the nests of the birds ; if tlie nest be deprived of
its down, the female takes a fresh quantity from her breast ; but
if the nest be a second time deprived of its down, she cannot
supply it, the male then takes from his breaift the necessary
lining. As incubation proceed?, the lining of down increases
from day to day, and at last becomes so considerable in quan-
tity, as to envelope and entirely conceal \h€ eggs from view.
The young, as soon as hatched, are conducted to the water, to
which, sometimes from the situation of the nest, they are car-
ried in the bill of the parent bird. The food of the eider-duck
is muscles and other bivalve shell-fish. This bird is with diffi-
culty reared in confinement, Selby, in Zoological Journal,
vol. 3, page 458.

Of the Clypeala, or Shoveler, there are many varieties
found in Europe, Asia, and America; it is about (wenty-one
inches long. — The Clanguluj or Golden-eye, is varied with
black and white, head tumid violet ; length about nineteen
inches; inhabits as the last; found on the sea coasts of this
country in the winter. — The Ferina, Pochard, Dunbird, Pokefy
or R(d-headed Widgeon^ is found as the last ; length nearly that
of the golden-eye: colours varied, black, white, andgiey;
flesh good ; frequent in the London market in the winter.

The Crecea, Teal or Common Ttal, inhabits Europe and Asia,
and is well known in the marshy districts &f this country ; it
breeds in Norfolk and most probably in other places of Great
Britain ; length fourteen inches ; three varieties. Flesh good.
The Penelope J Widgeon, Wheicer, or ffAiw, is foui.d in most
parts of Europe, breeds in the Northern regions, and visits
England in the autumn ; length twenty inches; it weighs about

THE WILD GOOSE — THE TAME GOOSE. 129

In a thick, hazel copse he was warbling apart
Such notes as have never been equall'd by art.

twenty-four ounces ; several varieties ; flesh esteemed excellent;
as well known as the teal, in the marshy regions of England.

The Querquedula^ Garganey, or Summer Teal^ is a beautiful
bird, a little larger than the common teal, being seventeen
inches long ; found in this country in the winter ; rarely seen
after April, at which time it is taken, it is said, in the decoys of
Somersetshire ; found also throughout the north of Europe and
Asia, as well as the Caspian sea, and some parts of the East
Indies.

The Anser, or Goose, consists of two varieties : the FtruSj
Greif Lag, Fen, or Wild Goose, is two feet nine inches long;
^he bill is large and elevated, of a flesh colour, tinged with yel-
low; head and neck ash-colour; breast and belly whitish,
clouded with grey or ash-colour; back grey ; legs flesh- colour.
They reside in the feus the whole year, breed there, and hatch
about eight or nine young ; often taken and easily tamed. To-
wards winter they collect in great flocks. They are migratory
on the continent, and also in some parts of England. They
generally, when in flocks, fly in the form of a triangle. They
have not the superiority of the wild-duck, tasting frequently of
fish ; the flesh is not, therefore, equal to the tame goose when
properly fed.

The Mansuetus, or Tame Goose, is the preceding in a state of
domestication, from which it varies in colour, but often more or
less verging to grey ; it is found frequently white, especially
the males. The goose in general breeds only once a year;
but if well kepi, will often produce two broods in a season. It
is said to be very long-lived ; some have attained the age of
100 years. The goose sits on her eggs from twenty-seven to
thirty days, and will cover from eleven to fifteen eggs. It
scarcely needs to be observed, that the feathers of geese make
excellent beds, for which they are plucked twice or more

G 3

130' BKlTTSir A'S^iy EURtJPEAlf BIRDS.

That bird for whom many a harp hath been strung ; —
Whose warble enraptures the old and the young ; —

(sometimes five times) in a year. See the House Sparrow's
Speech. Geese eat grass as well as many other vegetables, fish
and worms. In the domestic state, one gander is sufficient for
five geese. Besides the well known noise of geese called
cackling, the gander is peculiarly distinguished by his hissing.

The Moschata or Muscovy Duck, is larger than the wild
dock ; length two feet two inches ; bill red ; body varied with
black, brown, white, and green-gold ; in a completely wild
state, the whole plumage is black, glossed with violet or green;
in our menageries, the plumage is sometimes white : domesti-
cated in almost every country. Found in a wild state about
the lake Baikal, in Asia, and in Brazil. When at large, it
builds on the old stumps of trees, and perches during the heat
of the day on the branches of those which are well clothed.
Naturally very wild, yet when tamed, associates sometimes
with the common duck, the produce a mongrel breed. Eggs
rounderthan the common duck; in young birds, inclined to green;
they lay more eggs and sit oftener than the common duck, hence,
and from its hardiness, the breed deserves encouragement.
Flesh good. They exhale, a musky odour from the gland on the
rump, whence the name is supposed to be derived rather than
from the region of Muscovy — but this seems to me a forced
construction for the etymology of its name.

The Boschas, Wild Duck, called also sometimes Mallard,
is found on lakes, in marshes, and at the mouths of salt water
rivers in diflFerent countries; and in Lincolnshire and Somerset-
shire, where great numbers are taken in traps, called Decoys ;
in the west of England, Coy-Pools. It breeds constantly in
the marshes of Norfolk and Suffolk, and most probably in
many other districts of this country. The Tame Duck is the
wild duck domesticated. There are several varieties ; it is ge-
nerally of an ash-colour; the middle tail feathers of the male

THE COMMON — THE CANVaSS-BACK DUCK. 131

With feeling's soft touch wakes the poet's sweet lyre,
And the pensive, the tender, doth often inspire.

lecurvale, the head and neck of whom, in most of the coloured
tribe, are shaded with green ; the bill is straight ; collar white.
Its colour varies by domestication. Feeds on a great variety
of very different food, worms, snails, «Scc. The duck will cover
from eleven to fifteen eggs; time of incubation thirty days.
It scarcely needs to be observed, that the flesh of both the wild
and the tame duck is good ; the last, however, depending upon
the mode in which it is fed. In the domestic state, one drake
is sufficient for five ducks.

" In the pond

The finely chequer'd duck before her train

Rows garrulous."

Thomson's Spring.

Decoy Pools were more frequent in the lowland districts of
Somersetshire formerly than they are at present. In the parish
ofMear, near Glastonbury, there were once several; at present,
(1825,) not one. There is, however, one at Sharpham Park,
the birth-place of Fielding; and another in Sedgenioor, near
Walton. For this information I am indebted to my friend, the
Rev. W. Phelps of Wells, a gentleman whose proficiency
in another department of Natural History, Botany, is well
known.

The Valisineria, or Canvass-Back Duck of Wii,son, is two
feet long, and weighs, when in good condition, three pounds or
more; it approaches nearest to the Pochard of this country,
but differs in size and the general whiteness of its plumage :
the head is mostly of a glossy chesnut ; back, scapulars, and
tertials, white, with waving lines as if pencilled ; beneath
white, slightly pencilled ; primaries and secondaries pale slate;
flesh excellent. Arrives in the United States, from the north,
in October : much sought after as food.

132

TO THE NIGHTINGALE.
Motacilla Lusevnia, C L i n n 0 — Sylvia Luscima, ( Lat ham.)

Thou matchless, yet modest, harmonious Bird!
Who hath not with rapture thy singing oft heard?
Who hath not oft snatch'd, whattime midnight is still,
A moment to listen by copse or by rill ? —
A moment, in May-time, when zephyr, not storm.
Gives the shadows of moon-light fantastical form ?
Not content thou to charm us with song through the

night,
Through the day, too, thy notes oft resound with de-
light.
O say, are they sad — dost thou grieve while thy song,
'Midst the glade, wakens echo and warbles along?
Or doth pleasure — doth mirth prompt thy wonderful lay,
Or doth love — pensive love — its soft feeling display ?
Whatever the cause, be e'er hallowed thy note.
That at midnight or moonlight distends thy sweet
throat. (0

(^) Order, Passeres, (Linn.) Nightingale.

The ^iGHTiKGALEy Motacilla Luscinia, (Linn.) ihe Philomel
QV Philomela of the poets, , Sylvia Luscinia, {Latham,) is about
six inches long; its colours are very plain, the head and back
being of a pale tawny, dashed wiih olive j the throat, breast,
and upper part of the belly, of a light ash coluur ; the lower part
of the belly almost white; wings and tail tawny -red. Female

THE NIGHTINGALE. J 33

The Cuckoo was heard for the first time in song;
His voice was at once clear, resounding, and strong.

rather less than the male ; the plumage of both nearly alike. In
consequence of its unostentatious colours, its vvhynes.«, and
its frequenting thickets and woods, it is rarely seen, and there-
fore little known. Builds a nest in low bushes or quick set
hedges, well covered with foliage; and, it is said, sometimes on
the ground ; it is extcrnallj composed of dry leaves, mixed with
grass and fibres lined with hair or down ; eggs, four or five, olive
green. It is common to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It does not
appear that it has ever been found in America, although several
birds in that continent are called by its name. Three varie-
ties; one with the body entirely white; one of more than ordi-
nary size. It is said, that there are two sub-varieties of this
species ; one, which sings only in the night; and another, which
sings more frequently during the day. This is, I think, ex-
tremely questionable ; for, \{ sameness of note be any proof, as I
conceive it is, the same nightingale sings both by night and by
day. Those naturalists have, therefore, n;ade a great mistake,
who state, that this bird sings only in the evening, and during
the night; it may be heard in tranquil and remote woods, and
even very near London, at Lee, Greenwich-park, Hoknsey-
wooD, &c. during the day; but its song is, or seems, most har-
monious in the night. It may be then heard, too, a considerable
distance, — a mile, or even perhaps mure.

The curious, in regard to the nightingale, will not be
displeased with St. Pierre's account vi' it. " Dans nos climats
le Rossignol place sou nid a couvert dans un buisson, en choisis-
sant de pj^fi^rence les lieux ou il y a des echos, et en observant
de I'exposer an soleii du matin. Ces precautions prises, il se
place aux environs, contre le tronc d'un arbre, et la confondu
avec la Couleur de son ^corce, et sans mouveuient, il devient
invisible. Mais bientdt il anime de son diviu ramage I'asyle
obscur qu'il s'est choisi,et il efface par I'^clat de son chant, celui

134 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Strange Scansor is he : for, like Him of the West,*
He never constructs for himself any nest;

de tons les plumages."* On this I beg leave to observe, that,
whatever may be the fact in France, relative to the nightin*
gale's preference for places where there is an echo, it is by no
means so in this country. I suspect, that there is more poetry
than trnth in the statement.

The nightingale is the most celebrated of all the feathered
race for its song. The poets have, in all ages, and most Euro-
pean countries, made it the theme of their verses. It visits this
country towards the latter end of April, and takes its departiire
in August, as it is said; but I suspect not so soon. We still
want a knowledge of more facts to make us completely
acquainted with the natural history of this bird. Montagu,
who appears to have been a very accurate observer, says that, if
by accident the female is killed, tlie male resumes his song
again, and will continue to sing very late in the summer, or till
he finds another mate. It is rarely found in Scotland, the veest
of Devonshire, or Cornwall ; and, I conclude, not in Ireland.
Its usual habitation in this country is within the segment of
a circle, Dover being the centre, whose radii do not exceed in
length two hundred miles, and not one hundred and fifty, as has
been frequently stated. Its time of singing, in its natural state,
is only from its arrival till about Midsummer; but it will, it is
said, when domesticated, sing nine months in the year. Its food,
in a domesticated state, may be spiders, wood-lice, ants' eggs,
flies, and worms; it is chiefly, however, I understand, German
paste, a composition well known in the bird-shops of the metro-
polis. It requires to be kept in a warm place in winter, or it
will die. It is said that the nightingale is common in the bird-
shops, not only at Venice, but even at Moscow, and that it there

* Emberiza pecoris, or Cow-bunting : see Part II.
t Etudes de la Nature, torn. iii. p, 309, Hamburgh edit. 1797.
6

THE NIGHTINGALE, 135

All foundlings his offspring— no moment of care
t)evotes male or female their children to rear.

sings as finely as in its native woods ; but this is questionable. It
is occasionally to be seen in cages in London, where it sings
during many months of the year ; but it is not, I believe, ever
known to breed in confinement here. See Mr. Sweet's letter
in the Introduction.

Although this bird in its natural state sings only for about two
months in the year, yet Cowper, the celebrated poet, once
heard it sing on New Year's Day, and has recorded the fact in
some beautiful lines ; and which fact, but from such an autho-
rity, I should be very much disposed to question. It is proba-
ble, however, that the nightingale, which Cowper heard, was
domesticated. An opinion has been occasionally entertained,
that this bird usually sleeps o», or with its breast against a (horn;
under the impression, I suppose, that, in such a painful situa-
tion, it would necessarily remain awake. The thought seems
puerile; and is not, of course, entitled to the least credit; yet
Young, Thompson, and Sir Philip Sidney, have alluded to
the supposed fact; Lord Byron treats it as 'd fable:

" The Nightingale^ that sings with the deep thorn,
Which fable places in her breast of wail,
Is lighter far of heart and voice than those
Whose headlong passions form their proper woes."

Don Juan, Canto VI.

" Grief s sharpest thorn hard pressing on my breast,
I strive with wakeful melody to cheer
The sullen gloom, sweet Philomel! like thee,
And call the stars to listen."

Young's JSight Thoughts, Night I,.

" The lowly Nightingale,
A thorn her pUloic, trills her doleful tale."

Thompson's Hymn to May.

136 BIIITISH A^D EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Of habits unsocial — affection devoid,

His nurse's own children are by him destroy'd.

The reader will have the goodness to remember, that the poet
here quoted is not Thomson, the author of the Seasons, but
William Thompson, author of Sickness, a Poem, Hymn to May,
and some Garden Inscriptions, which well deserve the attention
of the lovers of poetry.

"The Nightingale, as soon as April bringetU
-Unto her rested sense a perfect waking,
Which late bare earth, proud of new clothing, springeth.
Sings out her woes, a thorn her song-book making."

Sir Philip Sidney.

In this passage it is evident, that Sidney supposed the night-
ingale a dormant winter bird, — one of the seven- sleepers. Not-
withstanding its limited range of residence in this country, it is
said to be found on the continent as far north as Sweden. Its
winter residence is supposed to be Asia; of course, the warmer
parts. The sonnets and other addresses to the Nightingale are,
in our own language, itmumerable; some have been already al-
luded to in the Introduction ; one by Milton, beginning

** O Nijihtingale ! that on yon bloomy spray
Warblest at eve when all the woods aire still:"

has been much admired. Another by Mrs. Charlotte
Smith, the first line of whi< h is

** Sweet poet of the wood, — a long adieu!"

has been also frequently quoted in the miscellanies. An evening
address to the Nightingale, by Shaw, has also had an extensive
circulation. They all, with very few exceptions, make the
song and sentiments of this bird melancholy, sorrowful, or at
least pensive. For other observations on this charming bird,
see the Introduction.

137

TO THE CUCKOO.
Cuculus Canoms, (Linn.)

Thou monotonous Bird ! whom we ne'er wish away, —
Who hears thee not pleas'd at the threshold of May?
Thy advent reminds us of all that is sweet,
Which Nature benignant, now lays at our feet ; —
Sweet flowers — Sweet meadows — Sweet birds, and

their loves ;
Sweet sunshiny mornings, and sweet shady groves; —
Sweet smiles of the maiden — Sweet looks of the youth.
And sweet asseverations, too, prompted by truth ;
Sweet promise of plenty throughout the rich dale ;
And sweet the Bees' humming in meadow and vale ;
Of the Summer's approach — of the presence of Spring,
Forever, sweet Cuckoo! continue to sing.
Oh who then, dear Bird ! could e'er wish thee away ?
Who hears thee not pleas*d at the threshold of May ?(*^)

(<5) Order, Pice, (Linn.) Cuckoo the Common, the Honey
Guide, the Sacred, &c.

The genus Cuculus, (Linn.) or Cuckoo, comprehends more
than eighty species scattered over the globe, the characteristics
of which are, a bill somewhat arched, tongue short, tail with ten
feathery, toes, two backwards, two forwards j they belong, of
course, to the scansorial tribe. The following are most deserv-
ing notice.

The Canornsy Cuckoo, Common Cuckoo or Gookoo, is four-
teen inches long; body above, an ash, or rather a lead colour;
beneath, whitish, transversely streaked with black-brown. Two

138 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

The House-Sparrows, Chaffinches, noisy be-
came;—
But their notes, void of melody, always the same.

other varieties, one with body varied with reddish, the other
grey, covered with a few white dots. Inhabits Europe, Asia,
and Africa; said to feed on insects, and the larva of moths;
migrates. Is heard towards the end of April, and generally
ceases to sing about the beginning of July. I heard it at Lew-
ishani, in Kent, in the year 1824, on the 13th of that month ; it
has been heard in Norfolk as late as the last day of it. It would
seem, from these facts, that it is heard later in the south-easiern
portion of this island, than any where else. Flesh good. The
CDckoo is a bird with considerable powers of flight ; the body is
slender, wings and tail long ; the plumage, although unostenta-
tious, is yet handsome.

Mr.YARREL, to whom we are indebted for an account of some
<;nrious facts relative to birds, and whose paper on the evolution
of the chick from the egg is alluded to in the Introduction, in-
forms me, that he has dissected many cuckoos ; that the stomach
is similar in structure to the woodpecker's; and, therefore, fitted
for the digestion of animal food only ; that the contents of the
stomach invariably indicate the presence of such food, namely,
the larviB of some insects. I cannot learn from any quarter that
the cuckoo has been kept alive in this country (like the nightin-
gale) throughout the year. Our ignorance of its genuine food, or
the cold of the climate, or both, possibly, have prevented such
preservation.

Another fact relative to this bird, for which I am indebted to
Mr. Yarrel, is, that its testes arc not larger than those of the
house-sparrow; and hence, Mr. Yarrel seems disposed to
infer, that the sexual organs in the cuckoo are in a very low
state of excitement. May not this account for the strange ano-
maly of this bird's laying its eggs in other birds' nests?

The cuckoo neither makes a nest, nor hatches her own eggs;

THE CUCKOO. 139

Sea-Eagles and Buzzards, and Ospreys, were

there —
Those who give of their nests to the Grakles a

share.*

nor, as far as is known, does she nourish her offspring. The
eggs are generally deposited in the nest of the Hedge- Sparrow ,
and are hatched, and the young provided for by this little bird.
The cuckoo is not known to lay more than one egg in any one
nest. The eggs are reddish-white, thickly spotted with black-
ish-brown, and smaller than those of a blackbird; they vary,
however, occasionally, both in size and colour.

The cuckoo does not invariably lay her egg in Uie hedge-
sparrow's nest, although I have never seen it in any other: it
has been found in that of the Reed-Bunting, theLinnefs, and the
WagtaiVs ; and, from the circumstance of Red-hacked- Slir ikes
being seen busily engaged in feeding a young cuckoo, it is
conjectured by Messrs. Sheppard and Whitear, that the
cuckoo occasionally lays her egg in that bird's nest.

It has been stated in a popular work, that, from the egg of
the cuckoo being small for a bird of its size, the hedge-sparrow
has no suspicion of the intrusion. But the eggs of the hedge-
sparrow are, nevertheless, much smaller than tlvose of the cuckoo,
and are light-blue without a spot ; it is quite improbable, there*
fore, that so different an egg would not be discovered. Besides,
it seems very likely that the cuckoo would be seen by the hedge-
sparrow in her nest. The deception is altogether incredible.
We have no means of ascertaining the reasons for the hedge-
sparrow*s permitting the egg of the cuckoo to remain in her nest,
410 more than we have for the fact that the Fishing-Hawk per-
mits the Grakle to build its nest in the suburbs of its own cita-
del. We must, at present, be contented with stating the facts

It was formerly suspected, that the hedge-sparrow herself

♦ See Note ('), article Halice'elas.

140 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

The Hover-Hawk came, too, though loth to renounce
His strong inclination on pigeons to pounce ;

threw out her own eggs from tlie nest, or destroyed Ijer own
young, to make room for her guest, the cuckoo, under the im-
pression, it is presumed, that it was an office of honour to be thus
employed in fostering our canorous summer visitant, but more
accurate observation appears to have dispelled these suspicions.
Dr. Jenner, (Philosophical Transactions for 1788,) found that,
soon after the young cuckoo is hatched by the hedge-sparrow,
the egg", or the young ones, whichsoever should happen to be in
the nest, are turned out of it by the young cuckoo, and by it
alone. It would seem, that the operation of expulsion is not
less singular than the deposition of the egg itself in the hedge-
sparrow's nest; it is effectuated by the young cuckoo, in a curi-
ous manner, with its broad hollow hacky which, it has been con-
jectured, is thus formed to enable it to perform this extraordi-
nary action. It is now also pretty well ascertained, that, when
a cuckoo is hatched in the hedge-sparrow's nest, there is no room
for any other occupant.

As far as I have been able to ascertain the fact, the difference
between the size and plumage of the male and female cuckoo
is very trifling; the male is a little larger.

The «owo- of the cuckoo is supposed to be the note of the male
alone; the female's note is said to be very different, much less
known, and has some resemblance to the cry of the dabchick.
The female, it is also said, is generally attended by two or three
males in every country, from the earliest period of their arrival.
This is, however, I think, too broad a statement, although it has
been asserted by naturalists, that the malos are always consi-
derably more numerous than the females. Ur. Jenner (Phi-
losophical Transactions for 1824,) says, that "the cuckoo is inva-
riably a polygamist, and never pairs in this country." The truth
seems to be, notwithstanding all that has been observed and
published concerning this bird, that its Natural Historv is still

THE CUCKOO.

141

On his librating wing he was oft seen apart,
And appear'd on his prey ever ready to dart.

involved in considerable obscurity. See the Hedge-Sparrotv^s
Complaint,

The Song itself is too well known to require description,
hcin'j, similar to its name cuckoo ; although, I think, it ap-
proaches rather-nearer to the name given to it in Somersetshire,
Gookoo. It is almost alwa>s clear and distinct for some time
after its arrival; but, towards tlie close of the season, there ii
considerable hesitation in the utterance of the notes ; thus,
instead of cuckoo being repeatedly and distinctly uttered, cuck,
cuck, is often repeated in an indistinct tone, before the koo
which fuitows.

The cuckoo usually sings diuing the day ; but, on May 1st,
1822, the Nightingale and Cuckoo were heard to sing at ShefFord,
in Bedrordsliire, the whole night through, by Mr, Inskip, of
Sheffbrd, as he believe*!, in competition; Robert Bloomfielu,
then resident also at Sheftbrd, was likewise a witness of this
extraordinary fact, an allusion to which will be found in the
" Remains" of that poet lately published, as well as several
other curious particulars concerning biids, under the head of
the Bird and Insects' Post-Office^ which every lover of Natnral
History should peruse. See also the Examiner for May 26,
1822, where it is also stated, tliat the cuckoo was heard several
times during the same season as late as ten or eleven o'clock at
night. It is scarcely necessary to add, that these are, in this
country, rare occurrences. I heard the puckoo in Greenwich-
Park, May 22, I^'l6, at nearly nine o'clock at night, one hour
after sun-set.

The assertion of Montagu, whose accuracy may in general be
relied on, that the cuckoo almost invariably leaves us the frit
day of July, is very incorrect. It is seen much later than that,^
very often in August, although it does not .»ing in that month.

I once had an opportunity of seeing, in Somersetshire, a

142 BRITISH AND liUROPEAN BIRDS.

There were Ringtails and Lanners, and Gos-
hawks, a few ;

And the Falcons, like aides-de-camp, round about
flew;

hedge j.parrow feed a yonug cuckoo for about three weeks. It
was taken from a hedge-sparrow's nest in a hedge in my father's
garden, a few yards only from tlie dwelling-house, soon after it
was hatched, and immediately placed in a large blackbird's
cage, the door of which was left open, the cage being placed a
short distance from the hedge whence the bird was taken. The
hedge-sparrow went regularly into the cage with food to the
cuckoo, till it became able to fly ; the door was then closed, and
she fed it through the bars of the cage, but in about three weeks
deserted it. We afterwards supplied it with bread and milk,
and earthworms, which last, on being placed in its mouth, it
devoured most greedily; but it seemed unwilling, or unable, to
pick up either worms or the bread-and-milk. When it attempted
to pick up its food, which it sometiures did, the head and neck
were first drawn back slowly, and then darted forward in a way
that seemed formidable ; but, nevertheless, was very inefficient
as a process for obtaining food. Tliis bird arrived at a consi-
derable size, but it was generally very sluggish and inactive. It
was found dead in its cage one morning some time in August, it
was conjectured chiefly froui cold; but, probably, also, from a
deficiency, or total want of its natural food. It was, when first
taken, and for some time afterwards, both in appearance and in
its motions, a disgusting animal; as it grew up, however, its
appearance improved.

And here I cannot avoid hinting my suspicions, that the
cUckoo, even when at maturity, might be fed .sometimes by
other birds; certain it is, that it is very often accompanied in
its flight by one or more small birds, for what purpose I could
never ascertain. See the Note on the Wryneck. As, how-
ever, the cuckoo is a scansorial bird, it is very possible that it

THE CUCKOO. 143

The Kite, too, slow moving, was seen midst the host.
Many Fulmars and Razou-Bills came from th6
coast.

may obtain its food unseen by climbing about on the branches of
trees where it is generally heard to sing ; it does not often alight
on the ground ; the elm is one of its favourites.

The cuckoo is, it is said, found in Java, and some other of the
Asiatic isles, but it is never heard to sing there. There is, in the
Museum of the East India Company^ a specimen marked Cuculus
CanoruSf a native of Java; bnt I have great doubt, from the
smallness of its size and difference in colours, compared with
our cuckoo, whether it be the same species.

Till lately, it was not known that any otiier bird laid its eggs
in tiie nest of other birds, besides the cuckoo ; it is now, however,
well ascertained, that an American bird, called in America
CowPEN or Cow-bunting, (see the Notes of the Second Part,)
lays its eggs in other birds' nests, and takes no care whatever of
its offspring.

Upon the whole, the Natural History of this bird is most extra-
ordinary; and I have, therefore, been somewhat minute concern-
ing it. Its notes, although monotonous, are mingled with some
of our most agreeable associations, with the vivifying Spring,
with May, and the season of flowers.

The poems containing allusions to the cuckoo are innumera-
ble; Logan has given us a beautiful little Ode to the Cuckoo^
with which the reader will be much pleased. I cannot find
room for it here; the following is the first stanza of it:

" Hail, beauteous stranger of the grove,
Thou messenger of spring!
Now Heaven repairs thy rural seat,
And woods thy welcome sing."

'Ihe Indicator f or Honey Guide Cuckoo, is a rusty grey,
and is fond of honey ; it inhabits the interior of Africa ; its notes

144 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Some PnEASANTs(') were there, too, in robes of bright

dye ;
The Rooks, e'er gregarious, came soaring on high :

resemble chern, cliern, by which it is said to conduct the iniiabi-
lants to the nests of tlie wild bees; hence, it is highly esteemed
by the Hottentots, who deem it criminal to injure or de-
stroy it.

The Honoratvs, oi the Sacred Clcroo, having a t)lackish
body spotted ivilh white, inhabits Malabar: feeds on reptiles
injurious to vegetation, and hence preserved with great care,
and venerated by the natives.

The Vetula, or Long-billed rain Cuckoo, inhabits Ja-
maica, is easily tamed, and sings before rain ; it is fifteen inches
long, body brownish, bill long, flies short, feeds on insects,
worms, and small serpents.

The Orientalis, a native of Java, has a note conveyed by the
letters Toohoo; or, as Dr. Horsfield has it, Tuhu.

The Flavus is also a native of Java, and peihaps the most
musical of the tribe; it has three different strains. It is consi-
dered, however, by the natives of that island, as a bird of bad
omen.— Horsfield.

(7) Order, Gallina, (Linn.) Pheasant, the Common, the
Courier, the Golden, Cock and Hen, &c.

The GmwsPHAsiANUS of Linnsens, or Pheasant, consists of
twenty-four species scattered over the globe; it includes, not
only the Pheasant, properly so called, but also the Cock and Hen ^
those well-known domestic birds. This tribe is distinguished
by a short, strong bill ; cheeks covered with a smooth, naked
skin ; legs generally with spurs. 1 he following are the chief:

The CoZc/iicMS, Pheasant, or Common Pheasant, comprises
thefollowingvarieties:— Co7«»2on Pheasant, rufoixs, head blue ;—
the Ringed Pheasa^it, collar while;— the Vnriegatfd Pheasant,

THE PHEASANT. 145

Those whom soon will science instruct us to know,
By their white.yellow beaks from the black of the
Crow. —

white varied with rufousj—the White Pheasant, white, with
small black spots on the neck ; — the Pied Pheasant, rufous, varied
with brown j —the Turkey Pheasant. Inhabits Europe, Asia, and
Africa ; from two to three feet long ; domesticated every where ;
in breeding time, above the ears on each side, is a golden fea-
thered tuft like a horn. From its being a bird of heavy flight,
it has never been able to visit America. It is said, however, to
be reared in St. Domingo, where it was taken by the Spaniards.
Of all birds, except the peacock, the pheasant has the most
beautiful and variegated plumage. The varieties are produced
either by climate or domestication. In its wild state, it feeds
upon all kinds of grain and herbage, and, doubtless, worms. The
nest is rude, and on the ground, in some secret place; eggs from
twelve to twenty ; when they are carried away^the female conti-
nues to lay like the common hen. The young must be supplied
with ant's eggs, their only proper food. From its size, and the
delicacy of its flesh, the pheasant is, of course, a valuable bird ;
allhough plentiful in some districts of this country, it is not so
common in the north, and is rarely seen in Scotland ; nor is it
found often on marshy land, even in the west, although plenti-
fully there on hilly regions, where shelter and food can be ob-
tained. Pope has finely, yet painfully, described the Pheasant
in his Windsor Forest:

"See! from the brake the whirring pheasant springs,
And mounts exulting on triumphant wings ;
14^ Short is his joy, lie feels the fiery wound,
!. Flutters in blood, and panting, beats the ground.

Ah ! what avail his glossy varying dyes,
His purple crest and scarlet-circled eyes,
The vivid green his shining plumes unfold,
His painted wings, and breast that flames with gold!"

H

146 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Those whom Man, for his Sport, is oft pleas'd to

destroy,
Amidst vinous libations and boisterous joy. —

This, of course, applies, to the cock pheasant; the colours of the
hen are neither so intense nor brilliant.

The Gallus, or Common Cock and Hen, are too well known
to need description. Fifteen varieties have been named, as
follow : the fVild Cock, the Common Cock, the Crested Cock,
the Dorking Cock, the Frizzled Cock, the Persian Cock, the
Dwarf Cock, the Bantam Cock, the Rongh-legsed Cock, the Turk-
ish Cock, the Paduan Cock, the Negro Cock, the Crowned Hen, the
Horned Cock, and the Silk Cock.

The cock and hen came originally from Asia. The common
hen is, perhaps, the most prolific of birds ; if well fed, excepting
about two months in the moulting season, she frequently lays an
egg a day. When in a wild state, she begins to sit upon her eggs,
after laying fifteen or sixteen; and, it is only from the circum-
stance of taking away the eggs, that she produces a greater
number when domesticated.

In Egypt, the eggs of the hen are hatched in stoves peculiarly
adapted to tlie purpose; but it does not appear, from all the
experiments hitherto made in this country, including those by
the aid of steam, that any method of rearing chicken which
has been devised, is so good as that of suffering the hen herself
to hatch and rear her own offspring. Tlie reader, who should be
desirous of obtaining n)ore information relative to the rearing
and management of domestic poultry, may consult my Family
Cyclopcedia articles. Hen, Duck, Goose, Tuukey, &c. It
seems probable, however, that the hatching of chicken by steam
in towns, where room is wanted for the roving of the natural
hen, and, of course, with difficulty obtained, might be made
useful and profitable, chiefly by an equable application of heat
as a succedaneum for the brooding of the natural mother.

The cock is, naturally, a very pugnacious animal; the young

THE COCK THE COURIER PHEASANT. 147

Yes, hath He, of high intellect^ oft, in his pride,
With the blood of the Rook his hands wantonly dyed.

cock chicken begin to fight long before they are half grown.
The full grown cock will often attack animals much larger than
himself; the cock turkey is, in general, no match for him. I
once had a cock so extremely violent and fierce, that young
persons could not venture near him ; he has even frequently
attacked grown people.

The cock has been a subject of considerable interest with the
poets; and, in consequence, he has been very commonly called
by them " Chanticleer."

" Within this homestead liv'd without a peer
For crowing loud, the noble Chanticleer.'' — Drydev.

Milton has also finely described this bird.

"While the cock with lively din
Scatters the rear of darkness thin;
And to the stack, or the barn door.
Stoutly struts his dames before." — L'Allecro.

Of the game of cock-fightings I can only say, that it is a bar-
barous^ sport, and ill becomes an intelligent being; the same
may be said of cock-squailiug, a sport, I am afraid, not yet wholly
unknown in the west. See my Observations on the Dialects of the
West of England, he. ,, .^^i l,,c'>L ,a332 ] t^vtil -.

The MexicanuSy or Couribr Pheasant, is tawny-white;
tail long, shining green; inhabits New Spain; eighteen inches
long ; slow in flight, but runs fast. The Cristatus, or Crested
Pheasant, is brown above, beneath reddish- white, head
crested ; twenty-two inches long; feeds on serpents, worms, and
insects; inhabits New Spain. The Superbus, or Golden Chi-
NESE Pheasant, is rufous, varied with green and blue ; with-
out spurs; inhabits China. The ^rg-us, or Argus Pheasant,
is pale vellow, spotted with black; face red; size of a turkey;
inhabits Chinese Tartary. iioi^n t .-:/ . ; i .'. ;'

H 2

148

TO THE ROOK.
Corvus Frugilegus. (Linn.)

Tttou social, thou noisy, intelligent Bird!

How oft I, delighted, thy cawing have heard !

When infancy prompted my lisp, thy loud voice

I heard soon as morning arose to rejoice ;

And my youth, long beside thy high dwelling, was

taught
Th?it happiness was not in towns to be sought;
And since hath experience proclaim'd the same

truth,
Which, alas ! I had heard, but obey'd not in youth.
How oft have I seen thee, with labouring breast,
Long branches and twigs bear to fashion thy nest.
While the wind drove thee far from thy dwelling

away.
Till, wheeling around, thou regained'st the spray ; —
Then, plucking the hairs from the back of the ox ;
Or, seeking of wool many soft and warm locks.
How oft have I seen, heard thee provender bring, —
Feed thy mate, or thy young, and away on the

wing.*

* The uoise made by the female rook, duiing her incubation,
at the approach of the male with food, and when receiving it
from him, and that made also by the young rooks, at the
approach of the parent bird, is so singular, and so well known
by those acquainted with it, that hearing it alone is sufficient to
indicate what process is about to take place.

THE ROOK.

149

How often at morn from my window I'd look
To see thee, to hear thee, affectionate Rook !(^)
era yd 9TuJqfii dii^ \o idg«<

(8) Order, Vicje, (Linn.) Rook, Raven, Crow, Magpie,
Jack-Daw, Jay, &c.

The Genus CoRVUS of Linnaus to which the Rook belongs, is
a numerous tribe, many of them well known in this country.
Above seventy species are scattered over the globe, the greater
part of which are found in almost every climate. The bill is
convex, sharp-edged, having a small tooth-like process near the
point. They are prolific, social, and clamorous ; building ge-
nerally in trees ; eggs five or six ; their food is mixed, some
animal, some vegetable. The following are the chief:

The FrtigUeguSy or Rook, is black, with a bill yellowish
white, by which it may be readily distinguished from the Crow,
the size and colours of both birds being nearly the same. Inha-
bits Europe and Western Siberia, and well known in this country ;
builds in large communities called Rookeries, generally on the elm,
which it prefers, but sometimes on other trees. Flies abroad,
morning and evening, at certain periods of the year, in great
flocks; is very noisy. Found in this country the whole year round,
but said to be in France and Silesia migratory. It is a bird of
considerable intelligence j it is, besides, extremely useful by
feeding on large quantities of worms and the larvae of destriictive
insects, following the plough for such purposes. It also feeds
on corn, and will, if not prevented, pick out, after they are
dibbled, both peas and beans, from the holes, with a precision
truly astonishing; a very moderate degree of care is, however,
sufficient to prevent this evil, which is greatly overbalanced by
the positive good which it effects in the destruction of insects.
Eggs five, bluish green, with irregular blackish spots and streaks*
Flesh, when young, good. A further account of the habits of
this bird will be found in the Introduction. See also a poem

150 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Sweet sounds ! that of home, and of parents, and

THEE,

Will ever be thought of with rapture by me.

entitled the Rookery, in my Somerset Dialect. This bird, and
the Crow particularly, distinguished by their cawing.

Mr. Coleridge, in a poem addressed to Mr. C. Lamb, and
published in the second volume of the Annual Anthology ^ edited
at Bristol by Mr. Southey, in 1800, alludes to the creaking of
tjbe wings of this bird when it flies :

" The Rook — when all was still,
Flew creaking o'er thy bead."

I think that I have occasionally observed this noise of *he
Rook. In a note to the poem, Bartram is quoted as having
noticed the same fact in the Savannah Crane : as far as I re-
member in regard to the Rook, the noise occurs, principally,
when the bird is heavily laden with materials for its nest, or
contending against the wind.

The late Lord Erskine wrote a Poem on the Rook, which
was printed and privately circulated some years since. I have
never seen it; I presume it deserves publicity.

SoMERviLE thus sings of the Rook ;

. .Mii/fiWhen feather'd troops, their social leagues dissolv'd,

!t)y^i Select Iheir mates, and on the leafless elm,

:.'ii: Tj^The noisy Jioo/c builds high her wicker nest."

1, .; Chase, Book iv.

The Coraxy or Raven, is black, or bluish black ; but there
are several varieties; some with a few scattered white feathers,
some entirely white, and others variegated with black and
white ; inhabits Europe, North America, New Spain, and is
well known in this country. Two feet two inches long ; makes

I

THE RAVEN. 151

Thou social, thou noisy, intelligent Bird ! ' ^ h"^

How oft I, delighted, thy cawing have heard !*

a hoarse croaking noise ; may be taught to speak ; thievish, as
indeed are many of the genus ; builds inliigh trees, or on rocks ;
eggs bluish green, spotted with brown ; feeds on carrion, fishes,
&c; long lived ; smell said to be exquisite. The Greenlanders,
it is said, eat the flesh, make the skin into, garments, and the
split feathers into fishing lines.

The croaking of the Raven is extremely disagreeable ; in the
silence and solitude of remote woods it is peculiarly appalling. .
It was formerly considered extremely ominous. The poets
have, of course, seized upon this : Drayton says

" The greedy Raven ih?i{ for death dqtb call :" ^j

' ;: ,■,■, Owl. .,,

And quotes Pliny for his authority. And Shakespeare,

** The Raven himself is hoarse "''' '*' .
That croaks the fatal entrance of I>laft<^ii' *
Under my battlements." '^^'"' '<^'' ^

MacbetKf Act i. Scene 5.

* **^I Mfed *em at tha cottage door,

When niornin, in tha spreng,
WAk'd vooath in youth an beauty too,

An birds beginn'd ta zeng.
I hired 'em in tha winter-time,

When, roustin vur aw^,
Tha visited tha Rookery,

A whiverin by dk.'^

See a poem called the l^ooKERyf iti ray Observationg on the

Dialects of the West of England^SccSic.

152 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

How oft hath affection — Begone thou wild dream!
Proceed we to pencil the rest of our theme.

: 8^001 no 10 T*'® ■^**®" *^''^**'* *^® *^^*'g^ of death."
-'A modern poet has also taken advantage of the superstition.
" All nations have their omens drear,
Their legends wild of woe and fear.
To Cambria look — the peasant see,
Bethink him of Glendowerdy,
And shun " the Spirit's Blasted Tree."

Scott's Marmion.

In the notes to the aixih Cant0 of which is a poem by the Kev.
George Warrington, entitled the Spirit's Blasted TreCf that
contains the following lines :

** Three raveni gave the note of death

As through mid air they winged their way ;
Then o'er his head, in rapid flight.
They croakt — they scent their destined prey.

Ill omened bird ! as legends say,

Who hast the wondrous power to know,

While health fills high the throbbing veins,
The fated hour when blood must flow."

Sir Walter Scott has thus alluded to the Raven in the
Lady qf the Lake.

" Seems he not Malice, like a ghost
That hovers o'er a slanghter'd host ?
Or Raven on the blasted oak,
That, watching while the deer is broke,
His morsel claims with sullen croak?''

Whatever might have been the opinions concerning this bird

CROW — HOODED-CROW — JACK-DAW. 153

The Jay and the Magpie both chatter'd aloud;
The Wren Golden-crested, apart from the
crowd,

in former times, the liberal intelligence of the present age can
only regard them with a smile — the poor Raven, harsh as its
notes are, may now croak in peace,— without fear and without
any acconipanying nialediction. See a curious poem entitled
the Raven, in the Anthology, vol. ii. page 240, written, it is pre-
sumed, by SOUTHEY.

The Corone, Crow, Common Crow, Carrion Crow, or Gor
CroM?, inhabits Europe, Siberia, North America, New Guinea,
New Holland, Madeira, and this country : it is entirely black;
two other varieties; one variegated with white, the other en-
tirely white ; eighteen inches long j feeds on carrion or small
weak animals, fruit, and grain; builds in lofty trees; nest al-
ways solitary; eggs bluish green, with black streaks and spots;
usually five in number; rarely at any time of the year gre-
garious.

The Comix, Hooded-Crow, Royston-Crow, Dun-Crow, Scare-
Crow, or Buting'Crow, is dark ash colour, head, throat, wings,
and tai', black; twenty-two inches long; eggs bluish green,
with blackish brown spots; feeds on almost every thing; in-
habits Europe, Asia, and this country; migrates. See the
Introduction.

The Monedula, Jack-Daw, Daw, or Chough, inhabits Europe,
and West Siberia, one variety Persia ; well known in England.
There are numerous varieties, the principal in this country is
black ; but some of the varieties are brown, others white ;
others with the wings white, and a white collar round the neck ;
thirteen inches long ; builds in old turrets or lofty rocks, some-
times in rabbit holes ; eggs pale, less, and not so much spotted
as those of the Hooded-crow ; very gregarious and easily tamed ;
thievish ; feeds on insects, grains, and seeds ; utters a harsh,
shrill cry, or squeak.

H3

154 BRITISH AND EUROPRAU BIRDS.

With the Redbreast, in converse, delighted was seen,
On a broad branching oak or some tall evergreen.

Shakespeare has mentioned this bird under the name of chovghf
in his description of Dover Cliffs, King Lear, Act iii. Scene 6.

" The crows and choughs that wing the midway air
Scarce seem so gross as beetles."

And CowFER has written a pleasing poem called the Jack-
Daw ; it begins thus :

"There is a bird who by his coat,
And by the hoarseness of his note,

Might be supposed a crow :
A great frequenter of the church,
Where bishop-Uke he finds a perch,

And dormitory too."

The note, however, of the Jack-daw, is much more shrill than
the Crow's, and can scarcely he mistaken for it,— indeed,
never, by an accurate observer.

The Glandarius, or Jay, inhabits the woods of Europe and
Siberia, and is well known in this country. The wing coverts
are blue, with transverse black and blue lines ; body pale rusty
purple, mixed with grey ; two varieties. Thirteen inches long ;
very docile, easily tamed, and may be taught to speak ; eggs
six, dull olive, spotted with brown, size of a pigeon's. Collects
nuts and other fruits, and hides what it cannot eat ; feeds also
on corn, small birds, and eggs.

" Proud of cerulean stains
From heaven's unsullied arch purloined, the Jay
Screams hoarse."

Gisborme's fValks in a Forest, — Spring.

The Cristatus, or Blue Jay, is an elegant bird, peculiar to

North America; length eleven inches; head with a crest of

light blue or purple feathers, which can be elevated or de-

BLUE JAY — NUT*CRACKBR— -MAGPIE. 155

The WooDLARK his song warbled loud on the wing;
And the Titlark was eager to shew he could singi;!

pressed at the will of the bird ; back and upper part of the
neck a line light purple, in which the blue predominates ; a
collar of black proceeds in a graceful curve to the breast, where
it forms a crescent ; chin, cheeks, throat, and belly white, the
three former tinged with blue ; greater wing coverts a rich
bine; the predominant colours of the whole plumage blue;
beneath dirty white, faintly tinged with purple. A noisy
chattering bird ; notes very various ; nest large ; eggs five,
dull olive, spotted with brown; feeds on a variety of different
food, both animal and vegetable; attacks and destroys small
birds, eating their eggs, &c. ; may be taught to speak. It is
gregarious in September and October. Found in the temperate
regions of North America and in Newfoundland.

The Caryocatactesy or Nut-cracker, inhabits Europe and
Siberia; body brown, dotted with white, wings and tail black ;
thirteen inches long; lives chiefly in pine forests; collects and
feeds on insects, berries, and nuts. Rarely found in England;
frequently in Germany and other parts of Europe.

Of the Pico, Magpie, Mag, Madge, Pie, or Hagister, there
are four varieties : — variegated black and white, — variegated
sooty black and white,— body longitudinally streaked with
black and white,— and totally white. It is eighteen inches
long, a considerable portion of which is tail. Inhabits Europe
and North America ; well known in this country ; feeds on
worms. Sec. ; builds in trees or thorn bushes ; covers over its
nest with thorns, leaving commonly two entrances; eggs five,
greenish, with dusky spots. May be easily tamed, and taught
to imitate the human voice ; when tamed, thievish, and hides
almost every thing which it carries away ; will carry away
many things for which it cannot have any possible use. Its
notes are a kind of chattering. For a further account of this
bird's nest, see the Introduction.
6

156 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

While other bhds joined in a jig or a reel,
The Goatsucker humm'd with his loud spinning
wheel.*

GisBORNE thus describes this bird :

" From bough to bough the restless magpie roves,
And chatters as lie flies."

Walks in a Forest. — Spring.

The magpie is not, I believe, generally considered a very
pugnacious bird ; upon some occasions, however, it will exert
its energies ; my friend, the Poet Laureate, informs me,
that since his residence in Cumberland, he saw in that part of
the country three magpies give battle to a Hawk, (the Falco
Tinnunculus, I presume,) and beat him.

The Graculus, Red Legged Crow, Cornish-daw, Cornwall-
kee, Killigrew, or Cornish Choughy inhabits the Alps, Norway,
England, Egypt, and Persia ', it is violet-blackish ; bill and
legs red; sixteen inches long; it is restless, clamorous, vora-
cious, thievish, and gregarious ; builds on rocks ; feeds ou
juniper berries, and insects. It is pleased with glitter, and is,
it is said, apt to catch up bits of lighted sticks, by which mis-
chief is ^sometimes produced ; eggs four or five, spotted with
yellow.

The whole of this genus af birds have been commonly con-
sidered as mischievous and destructive ; and, too often, writers
on natural history have echoed the vulgar opinion. But they
are, I think, beyond question, a very useful tribe, the mischiefs
which they do being very much outweighed by the good which
they produce in the destruction of worms, slugs, &c. so inju-
rious to tUc^ fruits of the earth.

* See the description of the Goat-suckers in Part IL

THE COMMON SWALLOW, 157

The BuLFiNCH, the B/EDW'iNG, and Owls too
were there; '•?! '^'f^ ^»^ '>flriit on
And some Swallows, (') that live almost ever in air;

(S") Order, Passeres, {Linn.) SwAtLow, Martin, Swift.

The genus Hirundo, (of Linn.) to which the Common
Swallow belongs, consists of more than sixty species, dis-
persed over the four quarters of the globe, a few of which
forming the tribe of Sicifts, have the four toes all placed for-
wards; the rest three before, and one behind. Of all the fea-
thered tribe the swallow is most upon the wing, flight appear-
ing its natural and almost necessary attitude ; in this state,
it feeds and bathes itself, and, sometimes, procreates and nou-
rishes its young. The following are the chief:

The Rustica, Swallow, Chimney, or Common Swallow,
has the front and ciiin chesnut, the tail feathers, except the two
middle ones, with a white spot ; a variety with the body entirely
white; six inches long. Builds in chimneys; sometimes beneath
the roofs of out-houses, &c.; lays from four to six white eggs,
speckled with red. Arrives in this country in April, leaves it
in general at the end of September; seen sometimes late in Oc-
tober. When it flies low, is said to presage a storm, in conse-
quence of its food, flies, not ascending high in the atmosphere
at such times.

The notes of the swallow are aptly designated by the term
" twittering ;" they can hardly be called a song, although con-
sisting of several soimds by no means disagreeable. fuif.

Gray has immortalized this bird by one expressive line, in
his Elegy written in u Country Church Yard;

"The swallow, twittering from the straw-built shed :"

and Drayton, its mode of feeding, in another;

" The svvift-wing'd swallow feeding as it flies."

Noah's Ark.
See more concerning this bird and its nest in the Introduction.

158 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Yet at their first advent, on warm fanning- breeze,
They repose a long time on the summits of trees :

The Esculenta, or Esculent Swallow, inhabits China and
the Islands of the Indian Ocean ; it is only two inches and a
quarter long; blackish; beneath white; all the tail feathers
with a white spot; builds in caverns of rocks; nest made of a
gelatinous substance, said to be obtained from marine plants,
but, most probably, a secretion from some gland in the bird
itself; it is eaten by the Asiatics as a luxury. Its chief ingre-
dient is doubtless gelatine. See the Introduction.

The UrbicUj Martin, House-Martin^ Martlet, Martinet, is
bluish black, beneath white, tail feathers without spots; a va-
riety with quill and tail feathers tipt with white ; five and a half
inches long ; builds under the eaves of houses ; the outside of
its nest like the common swallow, of clay; eggs white; inhabits
Europe and North America ; migrates like the swallow. See
the Introduction.

The Apus, Swift, Black- Martin, SkiT'Devil^ or Skeer-Devil,*
is blackish, chin white ; eight inches long ; feet so small that it
rises from the ground, and walks with difficulty; is mostly on
the wing, and rests by clinging to some wall ; makes a harsh
disagreeable screaming ; builds chiefly in tow ers and other
lofty edifices. Arrives later than the common swallow. Re-
tires from England early in autumn.

The Rufa inhabits Cayenne, is five and a half inches long ;
affixes its nest, which is sometimes a foot and a half long, to
beams. The Purpurea, or Purple Swallow, is entirely violet,
female brown ; inhabits Carolina and Virginia, where it is es-
teemed for its use as a warning to poultry of the approach of
birds of prey, which it becomes by attacking them furiously.
The Cayennensis, or White Collared Swift, is blackish

* For the meaning of the term skir, see my Obseivatiom on
the Somer^t Dialect, article To Skeer,

SAND MARTIN CHIMNEY SWALLOW. 159

There silent they sit, scarce one twittering note,
Is heard to distend the sweet fissirosts' throat.
But the Martins, in fear of a cold April day,
Deferred their approach till the season of May;
While the Swifts, whose loud shrieks make the

welkin oft ring,
Chose a day still more distant to welcome the spring.

violet; five and a quarter inches long ; nest long, conic, chiefly
of the down of dog's bane, curiously woven together with a di-
vision in the middle. Inhabits Cayenne.

The Riparia, Sand Martin, Shore-bird, or Bank Martin,
is the smallest of the British Swallows, being in length only four
inches and three quarters ; the upper parts of its plumage are a
mouse-coloured brown; beneath white,except across the breast,
which is brown. Frequents rivers,andmakesitsnestin the banks,
but is most commonly found in sand-pits, where it easily makes
its nest in horizontal holes two or three feet deep. May be seen,
during the summer, in the sand-banks at the lime-kilns near the
foot of Blackheath-hill. It sometimes builds in old walls; and,
occasionally, it is said, in hollow trees. Eggs five, white.
Habits in other respects similar to the House Martin. Found
in most parts of Europe, and also in America, where it is called
Ground Martin. i >o- f!

The Pelasgica, called by Wilson, Chimney Swallow, is
found in.the United States of America, but it is there, as the
swallow of this country, a migratory bird, arriving in Pennsyl-
vania late in April or early in May : it builds in chimneys, but,
in the woods, in hollow trees; nest formed of very small twigs,
fastened together with a strong adhesive glue or gum, secreted
by two glands, one on each side of the hind head, and mixes
with the saliva; eggs four, white; young fed during the night.
This bird is four and a half inches long, and twelve in extent;
colour a deep sooty brown ; it is supposed to winter in Honduras.

160 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

There were Woodcocks, (^^) and Snipxs, both
Grallators of fame ; Wttistl ?!

Now distinguished, ah me! in our annals as Game;

(■°) Order, Grall^, (Linn.) Woodcock, Snipe, Curlew,
GoDwiT, Green-Shank, &c.

The genus Scolopax, (Linn.) to which the Woodcock,
Scolopax Rusticola, belongs, consists of fifty-six or more species,
of which fifteen are common to this country. The chief cha-
racteristics of this genus are the bill, more than an inch and
half long, slender, straight, weak. Nostrils linear, lodged in a
furrow ; tongue slender, pointed ; toes divided to their origin,
or slightly connected ; back toe small. The chief of these are
The following :

The Rusticola, or Woodcock, is fifteen inches long ; bill
three inches, straight and reddish at the base ; forehead cinere-
ous, the rest of the upper part of the body a mixture of ferrugi-
nous black and grey disposed in bars ; beneath yellowish white,
with dusky streaks. Flesh and intestines good. Five or six va-
rieties, with while or pale straw-coloured body, spotted or other-
wise diversified. In the summer they retreat in France to the
loftier mountains, and from England towards the mountainous
regions of Norway and Sweden; some, it is said, to America ;
but a few'remain in this country the whole year, and, of course,
breed liere. They are found as far south as Smyrna, Aleppo,
and Barbary, and as far East as Japan. They are also found in
Canada and Cape Breton.

This bird is dressed for being eaten without having its intes-
tines taken out.

What ground there may be for the saying I do not know, biJt
Philips, in his Cyder^has the following lines on the woodcock:

" The woodcock's early visit and abode
Of long continuance in our temperate clime
Foretell a liberal harvest:*'

COMMON SNIPE — GREAT SNIPE. 161

There were Curlews, by long bills and wading well

known ;
And the Crow, who to feasting on carrion is prone.

Unless it be that as its long continuance here is indicative of a
severe winter, and as long frost renders, most probably, the
earth more fruitful.

The GallinagOf or Common Snipe, Snipe, or Snite, has a
straight bill three inches, body nearly twelve inches long ; the
general appearance of the body a variegated brown ; beneath
whitish. It migrates partly, and partly breeds in England
during the summer. Eggs four or five, olivaceous, spotted with
rufous-brown. Flesh excellent, and dressed in the same manner
as the woodcock, without taking out the intestines. Found in
almost every part of the world.

" The snipe fliea screaming from the marshy verge,
And towers in airy circles o'er the wood.
Still heard at intervals; and oft returns
And stoops as bent to alight ; then wheels aloft
With sudden fear, and screams and stoops again,
Her favourite glade reluctant to forsake."

GiSBORNE, Walks in a Forest, — fVinter,.;o

Although the respectable authority of Gisborne leaves M
no reason to doubt the accuracy of the above description, yet
the motions of the snipe, when disturbed, in the marshy districts
of Somersetshire, are not in exact accordance with it ; the
snipe there is usually found in ditches or drainn, and, when dis-
turbed, it rises screaming, and generally moves in a rectilinear
or slightly curved direction, so as to be readily shot at on the
wing : I have not observed in it a disposition to return to the
spot whence it arose. Snipes are not often seen before they
rise : their motions are of the most active kind.

The Mc{jor, or Great Snipe, weighs about eighf ounces,
and is sixteen inches long ; bill four inches; and similar to that

162 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

There were, too, some Godwits, Greensijanks,

and Tomtits, ,

The last, though small birds, are accounted great wits.

of the woodcock; upper parts of the body similar to the com-
mon snipe. This bird is rarely met with in England. Flesh
good.

The Gallinulaj Jack Snipe, G/d, or Jud Cocky is eight
inches and a half long; bill about two inches; body variegated.
Inhabits this country, Enrope, Asia, and America; migrates,
none remaining in this country during the breeding season.

The Limosui Jadreka Snipe, Lesser Godwit, or Stone Plover
is about seventeen inches long; bill four inches. Rarely seen in
England. Found in Iceland, and the northern parts of Europe.

The Toianus, Spottei>-Snipe, or Spotted Redsliankf is about
the size of the greenshank ; head pale ash-colour, with oblong
streaks of black; back dusky, varied with triangular spots;
wing coverts similarly spotted ; beneath white. Found, though
rarely, in England.

The CEgocephalttf Godwit, Common Godwit, Grey Godwit,
Yarwhelp, Yarwip, or Sea Wood cock, weighs from seven to twelve
ounces ; length about fifteen inches; bill long, from three inches
and a quarter to upwards of four inches. Head, neck, and
upper parts a rusty brown ; but there is considerable variety
both in the plumage and the size of this species. Migrates
from one part of the island to another: by some naturalists said
to leave England in the Spring and to return in September j
but Colonel Montagu informs us that it continues here the
whole year, migrating from one part of the country to another.
These birds are often taken in Lincolnshire, and fattened for
the London market.

The Cantabrigiensis or Cambridge Godwit is larger than
the common Red Shank; it has been shot near Cambridge, but
is a very scarce bird. The Canescens or Cinereous Godwit is

WHIMBREL — GREEN-SHANK— CURLEW. 163

The Whimbrel, grallator with bill arch'd and long,
Was also seen lifting his head 'midst, the throng.

about the size of the Green Shank ; it has been killed in
Lincolnshire.

The PhoeopuSf Whimbrel, Curlew-knot, Curlew- Jacky Half-
Curlewj Stone-Curlew, has an arched bill about three inches
long ; the body is brownish ; length eighteen inches.^ This bird
has all the manners of the Curlew. Migrates, arriving in this
country in August, and continuing through the winter. Inha-
bits Europe and America.

The Glottis, Green-Shank, Green-Legged Horseman, or
Greater Plover, has the bill about two inches and ahalf long ; legs
greenish and very long; inhabits Europe, Africa, and America.
Length fourteen inches. Migrates ; seen in small flocks on our
coasts in winter, and in fens and marshes contiguous to the sea.
Breeds in Sweden, Russia, and Siberia. It has also been seen
in Africa and America, ■■' '-

The Arquaia, Common Curlew, ^a*-^ dr Wlieap, varies
much in size, weighing from twenty to upwards of thirty ounces;
length of the largest about twenty-five inches. The bill is from
six to seven inches long, dusky black; wings blackish, with
snowy spots ; body above, and breast, with dusky brown spots ;
chin, rump, and beneath, white; legs long, bluish ; feeds on
worms and marsh insects, and frequents also the sea-shore.
Inhabits Europe, Asia, and Africa, and common in winter on
the sea-coasts of this country ; in summer they retire to the
mountains, where they pair and breed ; they make no nest, but
deposit their eggs amongst heath, rushes, or long grass ; gene-
rally four in number, pale olive, spotted with brown ; flesh by
some thought good, but often rank and fishy. Another variety,
diversified with rufous and black, found in Norfh America.

The common notes of this bird are hn'e, hoe, Ito'e ; it utters also
corleto occasionally, whence its name. Whether Miss Williams
be justified in calling the sounds which this bird utters a

164 , BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

The Woodpecker (") pleas'd left his ** hollow
beech tree ;"
In the crowd he appear'd, join'd by rapture and glee.

'* inelaucholy wail," which she does in a Sonnet that has many
admirers, may be questioned ;

" Soothed by the mnrmursof the sea-beat shore,
His dun-grey phimage floating to the gale,
The Curlew blends his melancholy wail
With those hoarse sounds the rushing waters pour."

This lady, following our Dictionaries and Poets, accents
Cur'lew on the first syllable ; it is however pronounced very
often, I believe almost always, in the west of England with the
accent on the last, Cur/fic' ; I have in the text, much against
my inclination, followed the printed custom.

The Pigmea or Pigmy Curlew is about the size of a Lark;
weighs scarcely two ounces j it is a very rare bird ; one is said
to have been killed in Holland, another in Kent.

The Curlew has been arranged as a distinct genus by Dr.
Latham, under the term Ncmemus, with fifteen species.

(") Order Pic^, {Linn.) Woodpecker, the Great
Black, the Green, the Golden-winged, the Ivory-
billed, &c.

The Genus Picus or Woodpecker, (Linn.) comprises above
ninety species, five of which are common to this country. The
tribe are distinguished by a straight angular bill, wedged at the
tip ; nostrils covered with reflected bristles ; tongue much
longer than the bill, round, worm-shaped, bony, missile, dag-
gered, beset at the point with bristles, bent back ; tail feathers
ten, stiff, sharp-pointed ; feet scansile. The following are the
chief of this very curious genus, which are principally inhabi-
tants of America.

THE GREAT BLACK — THE GREEN WOODPECKER. 165

Hast thou e'er, when alone, amidst woodlands remote,
In the forest far distant from dwellings of men,—
In the grove's gloomy umbrage, — the mountain's

deep glen, —
When solemnity, solitude, silence, excite
A feeling of awe that no pen may indite.
Been startled by some bird's appalling loud note ?

The MartiuSy or Great Black Woodpfxker is black ex-
cept the crown of the head, which is vermilion ; size of a jack-
daw ; length seventeen inches; builds a large and deep nest in
some tree, which it excavates for the purpose ; eggs two or
three, white. This bird is very scarce in England ; it is said
however to have been met with in Devonshire. It is found in
other parts of Europe generally, and also in Chili. It chiefly
resides among poplar trees, feeding on bees and ants. In winter
this bird disappears. In the female the hind head only is red.
These birds strike with such force against the trees which they
excavate, that the noise is heard as far as a wood-cutter's
hatchet. The hole which they make in the tree is generally
round, and of course sufficiently large to admit their bodies.
It appears that their reasons for thus scooping out trees are
two ; the first for the purpose of obtaining ants and insects
which secrete themselves in the soft or rotten wood, and after-
wards for a nest. ,

The Viridis, Green Woodpecker, fVoodspitef Rain-bird or"
Rain-fowl, High-hoe, HeW'hole, Aicl-bird, Yapping-ale, Yafie or
Yafflej', fVoodwall or Poppinjat/f is thirteen inches long ; the ge-
neral colour of this bird is green; the crown is crimson; the
rump is yellow, beneath a very pale yellowish green ; the bill is
two, the tongue six, inches long. Another variety with the up-
per part of the head and spots beneath the ears deep red. The
first variety is found in Europe and oar.^wp pountry ; the se-

166 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

That note is the Woodpecker's,-^ there may'stthou see
The harsh screaming scan sor on many a tree.

cond, Mexico. Eggs five or six, greenish, spotted with black,
which it lays in a hole scooped out in a decaying tree; the elm,
the asp, or the ash, is usually chosen, rarely if ever the oak for
such a purpose. A modern poet, Mr. Moore, has immorta-
lized this bird in a beautiful song called the Woodpecker ; it is
well known, but the first stanza it may be here permitted me
to quote :

'*! knew by (he smoke that so gracefully curl'd
Above the green elms that a cottage was near;
And I said, if there's peace to be found in the world,

A heart that was humble might hope for it here.
Every leaf was at rest, and I heard not a sound,
But the Woodpecker tapping the hollow beech tree."

The note of this bird is sufficiently described in the text.

The Principalis, WjuTE-BiLLED Woodpecker, or Ivory-
billed Woodpecker, (supposed to be the largest of the tribe,) is
black, crest scarlet, bill prodigiously strong, elegantly fluted,
and as white as ivory ; cap in the female not coloured ; twenty
inches long. Feeds on the worms found in rotten trees; sto-
mach an oblong pouch, not muscular like the gizzards of grani-
vorous birds. Inhabits America from New Jersey to Brazil;
habits like the last species. This bird from the great quantity
of chips which it makes is called, by the Spaniards, the Carji«»-
ter^s bird.

Tlie £ry<Arocep/ia/us or Red-headed Woodpecker has the
head wholly red, wings and tail black, belly white; female
head brown ; nine and a half inches long; habits like the last.
Pouiid in North America; in the winter, grows tame, and en-
ters houses like the red-breast ; migrates ; feeds on acorns,
fruits, and Indian corn.

DOWNY WOODPECKER STARLING. 167

There came, too, the Stare (^^), made immortal by
Sterne,
In a lesson which young and which old oiight to learn :

The Auratus, Goi, den-winged Woodpecker or Flicker,
inhabits almost all North America, and is very variegated in
its plumage; eleven inches long; migrates; often fonnd in
Peimsylvania tlie w^hole winter ; feeds on worms, insects, and
occasionally on berries and grass. : ,>iHAT<^,?ni>v

The Pubescem, or DowfiYWooDPECKEti^ksihe hack longi-
tudinally downy ; outer tail feathers white, with four black
spots; hind bead in the male red ; size of a s|>arrovv; inhabits
North America in vast flocks; is bold, and very injurious to
orchards, making one hole close to another in a horizontal
line, till it lias completed a circle of lioles ail r^und the
tree.'i'idt io fun ebtid rsdio tliil/ e'^mitamo* baa ,gcioiifi}ji,r

ThiB following may be also mentioned as found in tBis conn-
try ; but, as their habits are very similar to the Green Wood-
fiecker, they require no particular notice. The Villosus or
Hairy Woodpecker is nearly nine inches long; above black,
beneath white ; found in the north of England, common in
America. The Mnjor or Greater Spotted Woodpecker
is nine inches long ; the predominating colours of this bird are
black and white; egi^s five, white. Mr. Sweet informs me
that he had one of this species domesticated, and that it de-
stroyed and ate small birds. The Minor ot Lesser Spotted
Woodpecker is only five inches ^nd a half long; eggs five,
white. This bird is called in Gloucestershire Hickwall add
Crank-bird.

('^) Order, Passerbs, (Linn.) Starling, Water Ouzel,&c.

The genus Sturnus, {Linn.) to which the Stare, Sturnus
Vulgaris^ belongs, comprehends nearly forty species, scattered
over the globe, two only common to our own country.

168

BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

0 YE who have power, — who presume that your

WILL

Is the measure that every weak being must fill,

The characters of the tribe are a subulate, angular, depres-
sed, bluntish bill ; upper mandible entire, somewhat open at
the edges; nostrils surrotmded with a prominent rim; tongue
notched, pointed. The following are the chief.

The Vulgaris, Stare, Starling, Shepstn, CUepster, or Chep-
Starlingy has the bill yellow, body black with white dots; the
colours however vary ; sometimes they are a beautiful green
and purple, and sometimes white, and, it is said, occasionally
black ; nine inches long. Inhabits Europe, Asia, and Ame-
rica, and common to our own country. Exceedingly gre-
garious, associating during the winter mouths in well-arranged
battalions, and sometimes with other birds not of their own
tribe. The males are very pugnacious, often fighting during
the pairing season for the females with much rancour, the
females themselves being the while passive spectators. Their
docility and the beauty of their plumage have rendered them
great favourites. Their natural notes are a shrill whistle and
a chattering; but they may be taught to imitate the human
voice, and sing song-tunes. Sterne has immortalized this bird
if) his SentimentalJourney : — "The bird flew to the place where

1 was attempting his deliverance, and, thrusting his head through
the trellis, pressed his head against it, as if impatient. — I fear,
poor creature, said I, I cannot set thee at liberty. — ' No,' said
the starling, ' I can't get out,— I can't get out.' Disguise thy-
self as thou wilt, still, Slavery, said I,— still thou art a bitter
draught '."—Page 101, Edit. Lond. 1804.

They feed on insects and worms ; but their flesh is so bitter as
to be scarcely eatable. They build in ruinous edifices or the cliflf
of a rock, and sometimes in a hollow tree, and sometimes in the
deserted nest of another bird. Eggs four or five, of a pale

THE STARLING— THE WATER OUZEL. 169

Behold the naive picture, in tints strong and true,

And think not that birds were made only for you ;

For YOU only to sing, for you only to die ;

O think not that thus could e'er act the Most High !

Yes, Slavery! hath Nature, in wisdom, decreed

That who drinks of thy cup finds it bitter indeed ;

All uncorrupt tastes will thy chalice refuse ;

And it dash from her lips will indignant the Muse.

green or bluish cast. This species is seen in this country
throughout the year; but it is suspected that some of the tribe
migrate during the summer months ; I have never seen their
nests in Somersetslure. It appears, however, that a great num-
ber of these birds have, for several years past, built their nests
in the apertures under the lead on the top of Canonbury-tower at
Islington.*

The Cinclus, Water-Ouzel, CrakCj IVattr^Crake, Water
Crow or Piet, is above black, breast and chin white, belly
ferruginous ; seven and a quarter inches long ; solitary ; breeds
in the holes of banks ; inhabits Europe and Northern Persia,
and found also in this country. Although the feet of this bird
are not formed for diving, it is yet a most singular circumstance
that it pursues its prey under water, living chiefly on small fish
and aquatic insects. It sings prettily in the .«piing.

The Capensis or Cape Starling is blackish, beneath and
sides of the head white ; size of the vulgaris; inhabits the Cape
of Good Hope. The Ludovicianus or Louisine Starling is
above brownish grey, beneath yellow; in size and habits simi-
lar to the common starling. Inhabits, in vast flocks, the inte-
rior regions of North America.

* See Nelson's History of Islington, ?d edit. p. '237

I

170

TO FREEDOM.

But approach! thou delight of the children of men !
Not less than of birds, both of grove and of glen,
Fair Freedom! approach! not, as often of yore,
In the dark robes of terror, and hands stain'd with

gore ;
O come, in thy gentleness silvery bright.
And diffuse o'er the world thy benevolent light;
Take the Virtues, — the maidens of Peace, by the

hand;
Let persuasion, not force, be thy word of command;
Bring with thee affectionate Feeling and Love,
So that those who contemn be constrain'd to approve ;
Let Knowledge thy constant attendant e'er be.
And MAN, become wise, will then only be free.
The Birds, too, shall hail thee, — around thee shall

throng, —
In one loud bursting shout of symphonious song.

Water-Ouzels, too, came, and the oft-calling

Quail,
Pugnacious, — Teals many, but not a Land-Rail;
While the Widgeons and Pochards, and rich

Golden-Eye,
*Midst the Bean-Geese and Brent-Geese were

seen oft to fly.
Came the Eider-Duck also from isles of the west,
Where &he dwells most secure in her soft downy nest.

THE KING-FISHER. 171

She to commerce, to luxury, ministers food ;

And to Sloth lends her couches, nor wholesome nor

good;
Oh, when shall conviction, the truth flash on Wealth,
That no road yclept Royal can lead unto Health;
That Labour can only such happiness yield,
And such, too, which chiefly abounds in the field ?

The active King-fishers (*^) on willows were seen,
In colours most splendid, of purple and green.

('3) Order, PiCiE, (Linn.) King-fisher, the Common, the
Splendid, the Puhple, &c.

The genus Alcedo, (Linn.) to which the Common King-
fisher, Alcedo ispida belongs, consists of about sixty species, all,
except the tirst named, inhabiting the warmer regions of the
globe. The characteristics of tiie tribe are a triangular thick,
straight, long-pointed bill ; tongue fleshy, very short, flat point-
ed ; feet, in most, gressorial. It chiefly frequents rivers, and
lives on fishes, which it catches with curious dexterity j swallows
its prey whole, but brings up the undigested parts ; though
short winged, it flies with great swiftness; its predominant co-
lour is blue of different shades. The following are the chief:

The Ispida, Common King-fisher or Martin-fisher, the
Halcyon of the poets, is in length seven inches, weight one
ounce and a half; bill black tinged with orange, two inches
long. The head and body beautifully tinged with green and
blue, interspersed with yellow and orange ; the throat buff co-
lour, beneath a dull orange. Found in this country most fre-
quently about clear running streams, in the banks of which it
generally takes possession of a rat's hole to deposit its eggs,
which are white, seven in number, and transparent. Found
also in the marshy districts of Somersetshire, and throughout

12

L

172 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS,

The Plover ('*), the Golden, his whistle loud blew;
And the DoTTERELand Sanderling pass'd in review.

Europe, Asia, and Africa. Drayton has well characterized
this bird :

" Long leav'd willow, on whose bending spray
The py'd King's fishery having got his prey,
Sate with the small breath of the waters shaken,
Till he devour'd the fish that he had taken."

Man in the Moon.
The Halcyon was feigned by the poets to breed in the sea, and
that there was always a calm during her incubation ; hence the
term halcyon has been used poetically to imply placidity, quiet:
" As firm as the rock, and as calm as the flood,

Where the peace loving Aafci/ow deposits her brood."

Cooper.
This bird is rarely, if ever, found near the habitations of man;
it prefers remote and solitary places for its abode.

The Formosa ov Splendid King-fisher is tlie most beauti-
ful of the genus, with tail short, body yellowish green ; shoul-
ders, throat, and rnmp, yellow; wings and crown blue; bill
yellowish horn-colour ; head with a bright yellow stripe on each
side; smaller wing coverts edged with yellow ;^ legs reddish
browu ; a native of South America.

The Purpurea, or Purple King-fisher ;— the il/cyon, or
Belted King-fisuer, of which there are four varieties; — the
Chlorocepliala, or Gkeen-headed King-fisher ;— and the
Cristuta, or Crested King-fisuer, of which there are two
varieties, are ail that we can notice.

(■"*) Order, Grall^e, (Linn.) Plover, Dotterel,
Sanderling, &c.

The genus Charadrius, (Linn.) or Plover, comprehends
aboveforty species, chiefly inhabitants of Europe andAmerica, of
which some are gregarious, some solitary. They have a roundish

THE RINGED, THE GOLDEN PLOVER. 173

'Fhere were Burrow-Ducks swimming and diving

along ;
The Skylarks aloft loud were chanting their song;

obtuse straight bill ; nostrils linear ; feet three toed, all placed
forwards, formed for running. The following are the chief:

The Hiaticuluy Ringko-Plover, Sea^Lark, or Dulwilly,
weighs about two ounces ; length between seven and eight
inches; the bill, upper half orange, lower black ; the breast is
black, front biackish with a white band ; crown brown ; legs
yellow. It makes no nest, but lays four eggs in a small cavity
in the sand, just above high-water mark. Found plentifully iu
most parts of the world ; frequents our shores in summer, and
retires lo more sheltered places in the winter, at which time it
is gregarious; but does not leave the country, as has been com-
monly supposed. A variety found in Spain of a grey colour ;
another in America of an ash-grey.

The Morinellus, or Dotterel, weighs about four or five
ounces; is in length nearly ten inches; the breast is ferrugi-
nous ; band over the eyes and line on the breast white ; legs
black ; another variety with considerable variation in its co-
lours. Inhabits Europe ; migrates to the north in summer to
breed. Is seen on our downs, heaths, and moors, from April to
June, and again in September and October. It is a stupid
bird, and easily shot.

The Pluvialis, Golden-Plover, Green-Plovery Grey-Plover,
Whistling- Plover, weighs between seven and eight ounces;
length ten inches and a half; bill one inch. Body blackish,
spotted with yellowish green ; beneath white; legs black. In-
habits almost every where in England during the winter on
heaths and moors, and is a common object of sport ; it also fre-
quents the sea coasts. Retires to the mountains and unculti-
vated districts to breed ; eggs four, size of a lapwing's, colour
dirty white, blotched with purple. A variety in St. Domingo

k

174 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

While the Goldfinches, chirping and flitting about,
Were delighted in picking the thistle seed out.
The Purs from the sea rose like clouds in the air;
Green Linnets("), Pine-Grosbeaks, and Cross-
BILLS were there.

having the body varied with yellowish, beneath white. Flesh

good.

" With shrilly pipe, from headland or from cape,

Emerge the line of plovers o'er the sands

Fast sweeping."

^ Blackwood's Mag. March 1822,

The Himatopus, Long-legged Plover, or Long-legSj is said
to be the longest legged bird in proportion to its bulk hitherto
known ; length from the point of the bill to the end of the tail
thirteen inches, from that to the end of the toes five inches
more ; bill two inches and a half long ; legs four inches and a
half long, red ; outer and middle toes connected by a membrane
at the base. A rare bird in this country, but said to be plen-
tiful in the East and West Indies, Egypt, and on the shores of
the Caspian Sea. This bird is wholly white, except the wings
and back as far as the rump, which are black. The foreign spe-
cimens have the crown and all the hind part of the head black.

The Calidris, Sanderling, Curwillet, or Towwillyf has the
bill and legs black, rump greyish, body beneath white without
spots ; another variety cinereous varied with brown. Inhabits
the sandy shores of Europe and America. It is found in flocks,
together with the Purre, on our own shores j but whether it
breeds in this country is not decidedly known.

(»s) Order, Passeres, (Linn.) Grosbeak, Green-Lin-
net, Crossbill, Bulfinch, &c.
The genus LoxiA, (Linn.) Grosbeak, or Crossbillf compre-
hends more than one hundred and twenty species, of which the
Green-Linnet, or Loxia ChloriSy is one; it is distinguished by

THE GROSBEAK — THE CROSSBILL. 175

The Hedge-Sp ARROW softly his song in the dell
Trill'd; the Petty-chaps louder his note was heard
swell ;

a strong bill, both mandibles being convex, thick, and move-
able ; nostrils small, round ; tongue truncate. The chief species
are as follow :

The ChloriSf Green-Grosbeak, Green- Linnet ^ or Greenfinch,
is rather larger than the house-sparrow ; head and back yel-
lowish green, edges of the feathers greyish ; the rump and
breast more yellow. The plumage of the female much less
vivid, inclining to brown. Inhabits England, Europe gene-
rally, and Kamtschatka ; gregarious in winter ; builds a neat
nest, generally in some bush ; eggs five or six, whitish with
blood-coloured spots. Feeds chiefly on grain and seeds. Song
trifling, but in continement it becomes tame and docile, and will
catch the note of other birds.

The Coccothraustes, Grosbeak, Hawfinch, or Cherryfinch, is
of a chesnut ash-colour j wings with a white line ; about six
inches long; varies in its plumage. Inhabits Europe; it visits
England in the autumn, and continues here till April. Feeds
on hawthorn-berries, breaking the stones of that fruit with ease
to obtain the kernel. It sometimes sings here in warm winter
days. It breeds in France; eggs bluish green spotted with
brown.

The Enucleaior, Pine- Grosbeak, or GreatesUBulfinch, is
larger than the last ; head, neck, breast, and rump, crimson ;
the back and lesser coverts of the wings black, edged with
reddish, beneath ash colour. Female brown tinged with
green. Found in the northern parts of the kingdom in the
pine forests, on the seeds of which it feeds, where also it is
supposed it breeds. Found also in North America, Hudson's
Bay, Siberia, and northern Europe. Eggs four, white.

The Curvirustra, Crossbill, or Sheld-applCf is the most re-
markable of the tribe, six inches and a half long. Both man-

176 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

The Hawfinch, excited by gales of the spring.
His gratulant notes was heard also to sing.

dibles of the bill are hooked and turned different ways, so that
they do not meet at the point. The plumage of tlie male va-
ries from a beautiful red to orange colour on the head, neck,
breast, back, and rump; wing coverts rufous brown. Females
generally a dull olive green on the parts where the male is red.
It does not breed in this country, but is often found in our fir
plantations from June to the end of the year. They inhabit
permanently Germany, Switzerland, the Alps, and Pyrenees;
often migratory in those countries. They build on the tops of
pine trees ; eggs whitish, with red spots. Feeds on the seeds of
the pine, apples, &c. Notwithstanding Buffon considered the
formation of the bill of this bird as an ** erreur de la naturef" sub-
sequent observation has demonstrated that«it is peculiarly suit-
ed to the food on which it feeds, namely, the cones of the pine.
In truth the more the structure and habits of birds are exa-
mined, the more they will be foimd exactly "fitted to their state
and place.**

The CardinaliSf or Cardinal-Grosbeak, is crested, red.
Inhabits North America; nearly eight inches long ; sings very
finely in spring and summer; feeds on grain and Indian corn,
which it hoards up.

The Sulphurata, or Brimstone-Grosbeak, is olive brown ;
throat and belly pale yellow. Inhabits in flocks the Cape of
Good Hope ; five inches and three quarters long; builds a pen-
dulous nest.

The Philippinaf or Philippine-Grosbeak, is brown, be-
neath yellowish white. Another variety with tail and quill
feathers greenish brown, edged with yellow. The female red-
dish below. The first inhabits the Philippine islands, the se-
cond Abyssinia; fiveandahalf inches long; constructs a curious
nest with the long fibres of plants or dried grass, and suspends
it by a cord nearly half an ell long from the end of a slender

GROSBEAK, THE ABYSSINIAN— THE PENSILE. 177

While the Lapwing, repeating his noisy Pee-wit,
Flew around in a flutter, perchance of deceit.

branch of some tree, that it may be inaccessible to snakes and
other hostile animals; the interior, it is said, consists of three
divisions; the first is occupied by the male, the second by the
female, the third by the young. In the first apartment, where
the male keeps watch while the female is hatching, a little clay
is placed on one side, and on the top of this a glowworm, which
affords its inhabitants light in the night-time! The nest of the
second variety is spiral, with an opening on one side, which is
always turned from the rainy quarter. This account of the
nest of this bird is, I confess, a little bordering on the impro-
bable: I have no means of ascertaining its correctness. Lord
Valencia s&w hundreds of the nests of this bird on a tamarind
tree in the East Indies; they were like a long cylinder, swelling
out in a globose form in the middle, and fastened to the extreme
branches of the tree.

The Abyssinica, or Adyssinian.Grosbeak, is yellowish ; the
crown, temples, throat, and breast black ; inhabits Abyssinia ;
size of the hawfinch ; nest pyramidal, pendent, with an opening
on one side, and divided in the middle by a partition.

The PensiliSf or Pensile-Grosbeak, is green; head and
throat yellow; belly grey; size of a house sparrow; inhabits
Madagascar ; nest pensile, shaped like a bag, with an opening
beneath, on one side of which is the true nest ; does not choose
a new situation every year, but fastens a new nest to the end of
the last, often having a ehain of five nests in succession ; builds
\n large societies ; brings three at each hatching.

The Socia, or Sociable-Grosbeak, is rufous-brown, beneath
yellowish; inhabits the Cape of Good Hope; five and a half
inches long; lives together in vast tribes from eight hundred to
a thousand, at times, under one common roof, containing their
several nests, which are built on a large species of the mimosa.

For an account of the Pyrrhula, Bulfinch, see Note ('^*).

13

178 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

In fair robes, finely ting*d with ash-grey, o'er the
trees,
Flew the Gulls (*^) from the sea on a light zephyr
breeze.

C^) Order, Anseres, (Linn.) Gull, Kittiwake,
Tarrock, &c.

The genus Larus, (Linn.) or Gull, consists of nearly thirty
species ; they are spread almost universally over the globe, ac-
commodating themselves to the winters of the arctic regions,
and to the heat of the torrid zone. They have a straight bill,
a little hooked at the tip ; a light body supported by large
wings; from the feathery buoyancy of which they, it is said,
never dive ; toes before webbed, back toe small : the following
are the chief:

The Canus, Gull, Common-Gull, Sea-Gullj White-Web-
footed'Gull, Sea-Mall, Sea-Mew, or Sea-Maw,* is seventeen
inches long, and weighs fifteen ounces; the head, neck, tail,
and under parts of the body white; back, scapulars, and wing
coverts ash-colour; bill yellow. Inhabits Europe and Ameri-
ca. The preceding is the description of the bird maturely fea-
thered ; but the first year it is more or less mottled all over with
brown and white; it varies again in the second year ; and it is
probable that it does not arrive at maturity till the third or
fourth year. It is seen in winter at a considerable distance
from the coast, and will follow the plough for the larva: of the
cockchafer, Scarabaus Melolontha. It is, however, decidedly a
sea-bird, and feeds on fish and marine worms ; breeds on the
ledges of rocks, close to the sea- shore; eggs two or three, dull
olive, blotched with dusky, size of a small hen's egg.

A beautiful song of Lord B\ron's in the first canto of

* '* The greedy Sea-Maw fishing for the fly,"

Drayton's Man in the Moon.

THE COMMON GUtL — TH£ HERRING-GULL. 179

The Fuscus was there, long the fisherman's guide ;
And he, the Great Black-back'd, of Steep Holmes
the pride.

Cliilde Harold will immortalize this bird as the Sea-Mew , the
tbllowing is the first stanza of it :

" Adieu, adieu ! my native shore
Fades o'er the waters blue ;
The night winds sigh, the breakers roar,

And shrieks the wild sea-mew.
Yon sun that sets upon the sea,

We follow in his flight ;
Farewell awhile to him and thee,
My native land ! — good night!"

The MarinuSy Great Black«baceed Gull, Great Black
and fVhite Gull, or Cobby weighs between four and five pounds ;
breadth five feet nine inches; colour white; back and wing
coverts dusky black. Inhabits Europe and America. Breeds
on the Steep-Holmes in the Bristol Channel ; eggs blackish
grey, with dark purple sgpts. Feeds on fishes and young birds.

It used some years since to be, and probably now is, a common
excursion in the summer season among the fishermen resident
near the mouth of the Parret, to row in their flat-bottomed
boats to the Steep-Holmes, in quest of gulls' eggs : it was ge-
nerally considered a source of pleasure rather than of profit.
The adventure is a hazardous one, and can only be safely ac-
complished in calm weather.

The Fuscus, or Herring-Gull, is white; back brown;
twenty-three inches long; inhabits Europe, North America,
and Asia ; found plentifully on the shores of this country ;
feeds on fish, particularly herrings, to the shoals of which
fishermen are directed by these birds hovering over and follow-
ing them. Eggs three, whitish, spotted with black. In the
two first years the young of this and the Less Black-backed Gull
are so much alike, that they cannot be ascertained till the m^-

180 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

The Laughing came, too, from his home, Scoulton

Mere ;
And that Arctic marauder who hunts without fear:

tured feathers appear on the back. See Part II. for a poetical
description of the gull's and other birds' pursuit of the herring.

The fiidiftundus, Laughing-Gull, Black-headed Guilt Broum-
headed Gull, Puit, Pewit-Gully Black-Cap, Sea-Crow, Mire-Crow,
or Crocker, is whitish ; head and throat black : length fifteen
inches; makes a laughing noise; inhabits Europe and America,
and found also in this country. It breeds at Scoulton Mere, in
Norfolk, where the eggs have been collected in great numbers.
The young birds leave the nest as soon as they are hatched
and take to the water, as do indeed most of the young of the
aquatic tribes. It is a very useful bird, following the plough
for worms as regularly as the rook. Its plumage varies: in
winter the head and other parts of the body, which are black in
summer, become white.

The Argentatus, or Less Black-backed Gull, is greatly
inferior in size to the Great Black-backed Gull, but rather
larger than the Herring-Gull. Found frequently, and breeds,
in this country. The eggs and young similar to those of the
herring-gull.

The Parasiticus, Arctic-Gull, Teaser, or Dung-Hunter, has
the body above black ; beneath, temples, and front, white. In-
habits Europe, Asia, and America -, common also in the He-
brides and the Orkneys, where they breed among the heath ; it
has been seen also in Yorkshire. Eggs two, ash-coloured
spotted with black, size of a hen's. It is twenty-one inches
long. Pursues smaller gulls till they have discharged what
they have lately eaten, which it dexterously catches and de-
vours before it reaches the water.

The Rissa, or Kittiwake, is, the first and second year, called
Tarrock, not arriving at maturity till the third year, when it
is al out fourteen or fifteen inches long; weighs about half a

THE TARROCK — THE BLACK-TOED GULL. 181

The KiTTiWAKE, Skua the huge, the Black-toed,
Over hill, over dale, all triumphantly rode ; —
While the Co MMon, well known as the minstrel's Sea-
mew,
Of whom Byron sings in his feeling " Adieu,"
Soar'd aloft with wild screaming, and waving in light
His downy plum'd pinions of delicate white.

There were, too, some Warblers of soft plaintive
note :
The Red-start — the Wheat-ear, and he with
White-Throat ;

pound ; back wliitish-hoary ; quill feathers white ; head, neck,
belly, and tail snowy ; wings hoary. Inliabits Europe, Asia, and
America; found also, and breeds, in this country, but rarely in
the southern parts of the island.

Besides these, many other species are sometimes found in
this country ; the CrepidutuSj or Black-toed Gull; — ihe A tri-
ciW«, or Laughing-Gull of Montagu, called also Baltner's
Great Ash-coloured Sea-mew; — the Catarractes, Skua
Gull, or Brown Gull, weighs three pounds, and is two feet
long; — and the iVtcmMS, or Wag el-Gull, The Winter-Gull,
Winter-mew, or Coddy Moddy, is said to be nothing more than
the common gull in the second year's plumage.

The eggs of gulls are collected and eaten in some parts of
Great Britain, as well as in other countries. The flesh of most
of the tribe is generally considered too rank for food. The
feathers would, it is presumed, make good beds; it seems singu-
lar that they have not been collected for such purpose : per-
haps, however, they may be too oily.

" Buoyantly on high,
The Sea Gulls ride weaving a sportive dance,
And turning to the sun their snowy plumes."

A Blackwood s Mag, 1822.

182 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Of the Wagtails— the Water — the Yellow — the
Grey;

The first at the stream often sipp'd and away.

Sand-Pipers ('^) were many — amongst them were
seen,

The Grey, Black, Common, Spotted, Red, Pur-
ple, and Green.

(*7) Ori>er, GRALLiE, (LinM.) Sand-Piper, Ruff andRbeve,
Lapwing, Turnstone, Phalarope, Knot, Pur, &c.

The genus Tring a, (Linn.) or Sand-Piper, consists of above
seventy species ; tlieir distinguishing characters are a straight
slender bill, and exceeding one inch and a half in length ;
nostrils small; tongue slender; toes divided, or very slightly
connected. They are found in Europe and America ; a few in
Asia; a great many common to this country ; the following are
the chief :

The Pugnax, or Ruff and Rebve, have the bill and legs
rufous ; three lateral tail feathers without spots; face with flesh-
colour granulations. They are so variable in colour that two
are seldom alike, but the long feathers of the neck resembling
a ruff, sufficiently characterize the species. It is about a foot
long ; the Ruffs, or males, fight with great obstinacy for the fe-
male, or ReeveSf whence their specific name Pugnax. The
Reeve is less than the male ; the upper parts are brown ; beneath
white. Eggs four, white, with rusty spots deposited in a tuft of
grass. The ruff and the flesh-colour granulations of the face are
only seen in the summer; both disappear in the autumn. In
the young of the first year, which are called Stags, they are
wanting. Inhabits Europe and this country; but here only in
the fens of Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, East Riding of York-
shire, the Isle of Ely, and the marshes of Norfolk ; they arrive
in these districts early in spring, where they breed, and depart

k

THE RUFF — LAPWING — GAMBET. 183

With the Muscovy, Wild Ducks, the Reeve, and

the Ruff,
Mix'd the Sea-Pies, the Gambet, and many a

Chough;

the latter end of September. They are caught by nets: when
fattened, they are dressed with their intestines, and their whole
contents, like the woodcock.

The Vanellus, Lapwing, Pewit, Bastard- Plover, or Green-
Plover, h about half a pound weight; length twelve inches; has
a pendent crest; breast black; back and coverts of the wings
brown-green, glossed with purple and blue. Inhabits the
marshes and moist heaths of Europe. It is distinguished by the
monotonous sounds of pee-weet, which it continually utters, and
with which it flies around or near persons, so as to be sometimes,
in moors, extremely annoying ; this it does, it has been conjec-
tured, to divert attention from its nest or its young. Feeds
chiefly on earthworms, which it artfully obtains by beating the
ground about their holes. Gregarious, except during the
breeding season; and is said to migrate. Eggs four, olivaceous,
blotched with black ; it lays on the bare ground. The eggs are
placed in a quadrangular manner, touching each other at the
smaller ends : this position of the eggs is said to be common to
the Sand-piper, Plover, and Snipe tribes. Flesh good; the eggs
are considered a delicacy, and ftequently brought to London for
sale.

The Gambetta, or Gambet, is the size of a green-shank ; head,
back, and breast cinereous, spotted with dull yellow ; wing
coverts cinereous, edged with yellow; beneath white; rarely
seen in England ; inhabits Europe and America,

A lapwing of Java, mentioned by Dr. Horsfield under the
terms of Vanellns tricolor, has the notes similar to '* Terek."
It should, perhaps, also be mentioned here, that the Lapwing
has been arranged as a separate genus by many authors under
the term Vanellus.

184 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Although of this island both visitors rare,

The Grey and Red Phalarope also were there.

The Tnterpres, Turnstone, or Sea-Dotterel, is about the size
of a thrush ; inhabits the sea-coasts of Europe and America, and
found in this country in the winter, but, it is said, does not breed
here. It is nine inches long; feeds on worms, turning over
stones to look for them, hence its name. Ejrgs four, olive,
spotted with black. Three other varieties : one found in Scot-
land and North America; two in Cayenne.

The Lo6a<«r, Guey-Phalarope, or Grtaf Coo/-/oo/td Tringa,
inhabits Europe, Asia, America, and rarely England ; rather
larger than the Pvire ; one other variety. In stormy wea-
ther gregarious on lakes. The Hyperborean or Red Phala-
rope, Cocfe Coot-footed Tringa, or Red Coot-footed Trivga, is the
size of the preceding; inhabits the North of Europe; said to
breed in Hudson's Bay ; rarely seen in England. The Phala-
ROPES are arranged by Dr. Latham as a distinct genus.

The Sand-Pipers which are found in England are, among
others, the following: the Cinereaj or Ash-coloured Sand-
Piper, in length about ten inches; seen in large flocks on the
coasts of South Wales ; they migrate, it is said, in April. By
some authors esteemed the same bird as the Knot, see below.
The Lincolniensis, or Black Sand-Piper, is the size of a thrush.
The Fusca, or Brown Sand-Piper, is the size of a Jack-Snipe.
The Grenovicensis, or Greenwich Sand-piper, is the size of
the Redshank. The Squatarola, Grey-Plover, or Grey Sand-
Piper, is rather larger than the Golden Plover. The Pusilla, or
Little Sand-Piper. The Mgricaws, Purple Sand Piper,
Sea Sand- Piper, or Selniger Sand- Piper. The Islandica, Red
Sand-Piper, or Aberdeen Sand-Piper. The Macularia, Spotted
Sand-Piper, or Spotted Tringa, The GlareoUi, or Wood Sand-
Piper, size of a Jack Snipe.

The Ochropus, or Green Sand-Piper, is an elegant species,
ten inches long ; solitary, and smells of musk ; inhabits Europe

SANDPIPER — KNOT — SANDERLING. 185

The Sand-Pipers Green, and of strong musky smell,
Those elegant waders, flew over the dell.

and America; arrives in this country in September, and con-
tinues till April.

The Hypoleucos, Common Sand-Piper, or Summer-Snipi'^
has the body cinereous, with black stripes, beneath white ; in-
habits Europe and America, and common to this country, which
it visits in the spring, frequenting our lakes and rivers, on the
borders of which it makes its nest. Seven and a half inches
long; eggs four or five, dirty yellow, with pale spots. Wags
the tail, and, when disturbed, makes a piping noise.

The Canutus, or Knot, has the body above cinereous, beneath
white; inhabits England, Europe generally, and also America ;
nine inches long ; eggs flesh colour, with crowded orange spots;
flesh delicious.

Tlie CincluSf Sanderling, Purre^ Pur, Stint, Red-necked
Sand-piper, Ox-bird, Ox-eye, Least-snipe, or Wagtail, has the
bill and legs black ; body and rump grey and brown ; a second
variety with brown legs ; the breast and belly white in both ;
inhabits England, Europe generally, and America; nearly
eight inches long; flesh eatable. Freqnents the mouths of our
saltwater rivers in immense flocks during the winter and spring,
and is generally seen in the greatest numbers at or about high
water, particularly during the spring tides. They are rarely
seen in the summer, retiring to some distant place to breed.
Their numbers and compactness of association may be judged
of by the fact that a fisherman whom I knew fired at a large
body of them when on a bank surrounded with the tide, and
killed one hundred and twenty, and nine plovers which were
amongst them, at one shot, besides wounding, perhaps, half as
many more which he could not obtain. The shots in the gun
were large too, and, consequently, not very numerous, so that
one shot must have killed several birds ! See the Note, — House-
Sparrow's Speech,

186 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRD9.

While the wild running Water Rail (*') just from

the fen,
Was seen *midst the sedgy green pools of the glen.

C*") Order, GiiALLiE, (Linn.) Kail, Water-Rail, Land-
Rail, SpOTTED-GaLLINULE, &CC,

The genus Rallus, (Linn.) or Rail, consists of about thirty
species, of which the Water-Rail, Rallus AquaticuSf is one.
The characters of this tribe are a slender bill ; nostrils small j
tongue rough at the end ; body much compressed ; tail very
short ; feet four-toed, cleft. The following are most important :

The Aquaticus, Water-Rail, Brook-Ouzel, Bilcock, Velvet-
Runner, Runner^ Grey-Skit, or Skiddy-Cock, is twelve inches
long ; upper part of the body olive brown ; black in the middle,
the lower cinereous; wings grey, spotted with brown; tail
feathers short, black; legs dusky red. Inhabits the watery
places in Europe and Asia ; found also in this country ; lays in
willow beds or among aquatic plants; eggs five or six, pale
yellowish, marked all over with dusky brown spots. Montagu
once found a nest with six eggs of spotless white ; rather larger
than those of a black- bird. Flies heavily, runs and swims with
celerity ; flesh good ; feeds on worms, slugs, and insects.

The CreXy Land-Rail, Crake-Gallinule, Land- Hen, Rail,
Daker-Heny Corn-Crake, Crek, Cracker, Bean-Crake, or Com-
Drake, has the feathers of the body reddish brown, the belly
whitish yellow; wings reddish rusty; bill and legs brown ash;
inhabits redgy places of Europe and Asia ; arrives in this
country the latter end of April, and departing in October,
Nine and a half inches long ; runs swiftly along the grass ; flies
slowly; feeds on insects and seeds; grows very fat; flesh ex-
cellent ; its note harsh, resembling the words crek, crek ; lays
on the dry grass from twelve to sixteen eggs, of a dirty white
colour, with a few yellow spots. Two other varieties found in
the East and West Indies. It is found most plentiful in the
northern parts of this kingdom, and in Ireland.

GALLINULE— DIVER — GUILLEMOT. 187

The Divers C) were many and various in hue ;
Of the Northern, the Imber, Black-throated
a few ;

The Porzana, Spotted GallinuLe, or Spotted fVater-Hen, is
an elegant species, about nine inches long ; it migrates like the
preceding; frequents the sides of small streams; flesh good.
Inhabits also Europe and North America.

('5) Order^ An seres, (Linn.) Diver, Grebe, Gijillemot,
Didapper, &c.

The genus ColVmbus, (Linn.) or Diver, consists of about
thirty species, including the Grebes and Guillemots. The
characteristics of this tribe are a toothless bill ; they walk on
land with great difficulty, but swim and dive with great dexte-
rity. The Guillemots with a slender bill chiefly inhabit the sea ;
feet three-toed, palmate; the flesh is tough, and, as well as the
eggs, nauseous. The Divers frequent the northern lakes, have
a strong bill ; feet four-toed, palmate ; are monogamous ; fly
with difficulty ; and in breeding time prefer fresh water. The
Grebes are tailless, with a strong bill; feet four-toed, pinnate;
frequently found about the waters of southern Europe. They
are separated from the Divers by Dr. Latham, and by him
arranged as a distinct genus, so also ai*e the Guillemots. The
following are a few of the species.

The Grylle, Black-Guillemot, Greenland-Dove^ Sea-Turtle,
or Scrabery has a black body ; the wing coverts and secondary
quills tipped with white; legs red ; bill black ; from thirteen to
fourteen inches long. Inhabits Europe and America; frequent
in Scotland and the Hebrides ; rarely seen in the south of our
island. Several varieties. Egg one, dirty white, blotched with
rust colour ; it is deposited under ground, or in a hole in some
rock.

The Troile, Foolish-Guillemot, Sea-Hen, Scout, Kiddaw,
Murre, Lavy, fVilloch, or Tinkershire, has a black body, breast

188 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

By tribes Hyperborean their pelts often sought,
Into robes warm and flexile are frequently wrought.

and belly snowy. Two other varieties. Inhabits Europe and
America ; found also on our high rocky coasts, sometimes in
great abundance. Seventeen inches long. Egg one, greenish
blotched with marbled dusky ; two, however, are rarely alike.
They do not appear to have much use of their wings, and may
therefore sometimes be taken by the hand when perched on
rocks. They leave the southern parts of the kingdom the lat-
ter end of August.

The MinoVf Lesser-Guillemot, Winter-Guillemot y or
Morrotf is less than the preceding, being about sixteen inches
long J above black, beneath white. Found frequently in the
northern parts of this island. — See the conclusion of this Note.

The Glacialisy Northern-Diver, Greatest Speckled-Diver j or
Loon, is the largest of the genus, sometimes weighing fifteen or
sixteen pounds ; in length nearly three feet and a half. The
back, scapulars and wing coverts are black, marked with white
spots in a most elegant manner ; beneath white ; bill black, four
inches and a half long; head and neck a deep velvety black.
Inhabits Iceland and Greenland ; sometimes, though rarely, met
with in this country.

The ImvMTj Imber-Diver, Imber-Goose, Ember-Goosey
Immery Great- Doucker, or Cohble^ is less than the preceding ;
length about two feet. Inhabits the Arctic Ocean ; found also
occasionally in this country, particularly in the north ; it is also
found in the north of Europe ; and said to be found also on the
take of Constance, in Switzerland, where it is called Fluder.
Its distinguishing colour is brown above, spotted with black
and white ; beneath white. Feeds on fish, after which it dives.
Builds its nest on the water, amongst flags and reeds.

The ArcticuSy Black-throated Diver, Northern- Doucker^
or Speckled- Loon, is two feet long; rarely found in England, but
not uncommon in the north of Europe and North America. In

DIVER — GREBE. 189

Many Grebes, too, were there; some well known

unto fame :
The Crested, the Dusky and Eared we may name.

some countries the skin is used for various sorts of clothing and
other purposes, being warm and exceedingly tough; these qua-
lities being common to the skins of all the genus.

The Cristatus, Crested-Grebe, Greater-crested and horned
Ducher, Grey or Ash-coloured Loony Greater-Loon, Arsefoot,
Tippet-Grebe, Cargoose, or Gaunt, is about two feet long, and
weighs between two and three pounds; crest dusky; above
dusky brown, beneath white. Varies in its plumage. This bird
is indigenous to England, breeding in the meres of Shropshire,
Cheshire, and Lincolnshire ; its nest large, made of aquatic
plants, not attached to any thing, but floats amongst the reeds
and flags penetrated by the water. Eggs four, white, size of a
pigeon's. Feeds on fish, after which it dives admirably. Rarely
seen on land; it is found also in various parts of northern
Europe. — See the conclusion of this Note.

The SeptentrionaliSf or Red-throated Diver, inhabits the
lakes of Europe; makes a clamorous noise; two feet five
inches long.

The Obscur us, Dusry-Grebe, or Black-and-white Dohchick,
is larger than the Little Grebe ; length eleven inches. Inhabits
the fens in Lincolnshire, where it breeds, and makes a nest in
the same manner as the Crested Grebe; found in the winter in
our inlets on the coast, particularly in Devonshire.

The Auritus, Eared-Grebe, or Eared- Dohchick, is larger
than the ))recedingj being in length twelve inches. Inhabits
the fens of Lincolnshire, where it breeds; eggs four or five,
white, in a floating nest. Found also in tlie north of Europe,
Iceland, and Siberia.

The Cristutus, called by some authors Colymbus minorf by

_ others Colymbus fluviatilis. Little Grebe, Didapper, Dite-

doppety Dipptr, Dohchick, Dahchick, Small Doucker, Loon, Arse-

190 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Where the ocean is heard in tumultuous roar,

The Guillemots came from some bold, rocky shore.

foot, weighs between six and seven ounces; length ten inches.
The general colour of this bird is a rusty black ; it varies how-
ever occasionally in its plumage. It is the least and mqst plen-
tiful species of the genus, being common in most lakes, slow
rivers, small streams, and even fish-ponds of tliis country. It
seldom takes wing, but dives on the least alarm, remaining un-
der water, with its bill only above for respiration, for a long
time. Nest similar to other grebes, but usually fastened to
the reeds. In the spring the males emit a shrill chattering
noise. This bird is found in most parts of the old continent,
and also in some parts of America. See the Introduction.
Dravton has well described this bird :

'• And in a creek where waters least did stir.
Set from the rest the nimble Divedopper,
That comes and goes so quickly and so oft,
As seems at once both under and aloft.'"

Man in the Moon.

In concluding this note, I cannot avoid noticing the singular
confusion which prevails among naturalists in regard to the
nomenclature of this genus of birds. I have not been enabled
to clear up the difficulties which beset me. I find two diffe-
rent species named Colymbus cristatus and Colymbus minor;
these errors I have copied, nor can I explain them satisfac-
torily : a proof, if any proof were wanting, that a master mind
in the science of ornithology is still a desideratum, and a
convincing proof also of the propriety of the course which I
have adopted in this poem in not adniitting scientific terms into
the text. Whether the quinary arrangement mentioned in the
Introduction may ultimately dissipate these clouds in the scien-
tific ornithological horizon, is a question still remaining to be
decided.

SNOW-BUNTING ORTOLAN. I9i

Snow-Buntings C°) and Bantam-Cocks made a

display ;
The Wood-chats and Ortolans perched on a spray.

(^) Order, Passeres, (Linn.) Bunting, Ortolan,
Yellow-Hammer, &c.

The genus Emberiza, {Linn.) or Bunting, consists of above
eighty species, of which the Snow-Bunting, Emberiza nivalis,
and the Ortolan, Embeiiza hortulana, are two. This tribe of
birds is scattered over the four quarters of the globe, but chiefly
found in Europe and America; several species are inhabitants
of this country. They are distinguished by a conic bill, the
mandibles receding from each other from the base downwards;
the lower sides narrowed in, the upper with a hard knob. The
following are the chief.

The Nivalis^ Snow-Bunting, Pied-Mountuin-Finch, Pied
Chaffinch, Snow-bird, Snow-flake, has the quill feathers while, the
prmiaries black on the outer edge; tail feathers black, the late-
ral ones white. Three other varieties ; in all the colours vary
with age, sex, climate, most of them being nearly white in win-
ter, but the back and middle coverts black ; larger than the
chaffinch. They inhabit, during summer in vast flocks, the
north of Europe, Asia, and America; in winter migrate to a
warmer climate; they appear in Scctland in large flocks during
the winter; rarely seen in the south of England. Builds in
holes of rocks, it is said, occasionally in Scotland; eggs five,
reddish white spotted with brown.

The Hortulana, or Ortolan, has the quill featliers brown,
the three first whitish at the edges ; tail feathers brown, the two
lateral ones black on the outer side; three or four other varie-
ties. Inhabits Europe; rarely seen in lliis country; six and a
quarter inches long ; feeds chiefly on panic grass ; grows very
fat, and then esteemed a delicacy ; lays twice a year four or five
grey eggs, in a low hedge or on the ground.

192 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

The CiTRiNEL, Reed-Sparrow, brown Bunting-
Lark,
'Midst the wild warbling throng you might also remark.

The Citrinella, Yeli.ow-Hammer, Yellow- Bunting ^ or Willy
fVinky jhas the bill black; tail feathers blackish; crown, checks,
and body beneath yellow, above greenish black. Inhabits
Europe and this country; in winter gregarious. Builds some-
times on the ground, sometimes in low bushes; nest very deep ;
eggs whitish purple, with irregular spots and streaks, sometimes
nearly white. Its notes scarcely amount to a song. — See

forwards.

The Miliaria^ Common-Bunting, Bunting, Bunting-lark, or

Ebb, is brown, spotted beneath with black ; rather larger than

the preceding. Inhabits most parts of Europe and this

country j builds in grass ; eggs four, dirty white, spotted

land veined with reddish brown or ash colour. Gregarious in

the winter.

The Schcenichus, Reed-Bunting, Reed-Sparrow, or Water-
Sparrow, is nix inches long; it has the head black, body grey
and black. Two other varieties ; one brown, cinereous beneath ;
the other white, with dusky wings. Inhabits Europe, this
country, and Southern Siberia; the second variety, the Cape ;
the third Astracan. Builds its nest on the ground near water,
sometimes in a bush, and sometimes in grass, reeds, or even in
furze. Eggs four or five, bluish-while or purple brown, with
spots and veins resembling those of the chaffinch. The nest of
this bird is never fastened or suspended, nor does it sing in the
night, as some authors have related. — Montagu.

The Orj/ziwora, Rice-Bunting, or Rice-bird, is black, crown
reddish; tail feathers daggered. Another variety olive brown,
beneath yellowish ; six inches and three quarters long. Inhabits
Cuba, and migrates to Carolina as the rice crops advance, com-
mitting great ravages, whence its name ; it afterwards proceeds

BUNTING— CREEPER. 193

The Creeper (") of modest demeanour was there ;
Yet he seem'd for the throng very little to care.

to New York to feed on the young Indian corn j sings well. See
the Introduction.

Several other Buntings are found in this country; I can
merely name them. The Cirlus, or Cirl-Buntinc ; — the
Chloroctphala, or Green-headed Bunting; — the Montana^
MouNTAiN-BuNTiNG, Lcsser- Mountain- Fitichj or Bramhling ^-^
and the Mustelina, Tawny-Bunting, Great-Pied- Mountain-
Finch, Sca-I^ark, or Brambling. This last is rarely met with in
England. — For an account of another curious bird of this tribe,
the Cow Bunting, or CoM"pcn,see Part II.

(^*) OrdeRj Pic^, (Linn.) Creeper, the Common,
the Mocking.

The genus Certhia, {Linn.) or Creeper, consists of about
one hundred species, dispersed through most of the countries of
the globe; they feed chiefly on insects, in search of which they
creep up and down trees; they breed in hollow trees, and lay
numerous eggs ; bill arched, slender, somewhat triangular,
pointed ; feet formed for walking ; claws hooked and long. The
two following are the chief.

The FamiliariSf Common Creeper, Tree-Creeper, or Tree-
Climber, the only species of the genus found in England, is five
inches long, has the back, rump, and scapulars, inclining to
tawny, beneath white ; quill feathers brown; it runs with won-
derful facility above or under the branches of trees. Another
variety, differing only in being larger. Eggs from six to eight,
white, minutely speckled with bright rust colour. During in-
cubation the female is fed by the male.

The Sannis, or Mocking Creeper, inhabits New Zealand ;
seven and a quarter inches long ; imitates the voice and notes of
other birds with surprising accuracy, whence its name.

K

194 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

The Butcher-bird (**) bold, like his kinsman the

Shrike,
With his bill was quite ready a death-blow to strike :

(22) Order, Accipitres, (Linn.) Shrike, the Great,
the Red-backed, the Tyrant, the Butcher-bird, Wood-
chat, &c.

The genus Lanius, (Linn.) or Shrike, consists of more
than one hundred and twenty species, scattered over the globe ;
three, the Excubitor or Great Shrike, the Collurio or Lesser
Butcher-bird, and the Rutilus or Wood-chat, found in this
country. The bill is straight at the base, tiie end hooked with
a tooth on each mandible near the end ; tongue jagged at the
end ; toes, the outer one connected to the middle one as far as
the first joint. The birds of this genus are noisy and quarrel-
some; prey on smaller birds, tearing them in pieces, and
sticking the fragments on thorns. The following are the chief.

The Excuhitor, Great-Shrike, Cinereous-Shrike, Great Cine-
reouS'Shrike, Greater Butcher-bird, Mattages, Wierangle, Murder-
ing-bird, Shreek or Shrike, Night -jar, Mountain- Magpie, or
French-Pie, consists of three varieties ; one has the tail wedged ;
white at the sides; back hoary; wings black, with a white
body ; another has a white body ; legs yellowish ; the third has
the smaller wing coverts and shoulders reddish. In all the bill
is black, crown and neck hoary ; body beneath white, with
pale brown arched lines ; tail white at the tip, except the two
middle feathers ; cheeks white, with a black transverse line from
the base of the bill ; legs black; length ten inches. Found oc-
casionally in England, and said to breed on some of our moun-
tains, coming in May, and departing in September ; it has been
however seen in this country in November. It is trained in
Russia for catching small birds. It does not tear its prey like
the hawk, but fixes it to a thorn for the purpose of pulling it to

THE SHRIKE — THE WOOD-CHAT. 195

Fierce and dauntless the tribe, by their cruelty known;
The Tyrant infests not our temperate zone.

pieces. It is said to imitate the notes of some other birds by
way of decoying them to their destruction.

Of the Collurio, Red-backed Shrike, or Lesser Buteher-hird,
tliere are several varieties. The first has the tail somewhat
wedged, back grey, four middle feathers uniform j bill lead co-
lour. Common to England, which it visits in May, departing
in September; eggs Hve or six, bluish white, with cinereous
brown spots, or white with dusky spots. Feeds chiefly on in-
sects, which it transfixes on a thorn, tearing off the body. Thi»
variety is called in this country the Butcher-bird ; it is said to be
a local species ; it has been found in North Wiltshire, Glouces-
tershire, and Somersetshire, particularly about Bristol. It is
found in Russia and France; and is common in Italy. It is
seven inches long.

Another variety has the body grey, beneath reddish brown ;
inhabits Europe. Two other varieties inhabit Senegal. To these
may be added another variety.

The Rutilus, Wood-chat, or Another sort of Butcher -bird j has
been by some naturalists described as a distinct species. It is
about the size of the Red-backed Shrike; the body above va-
riegated white and black, beneath reddisli v;hite. Common to
this country.

It is either to this or the Great Shrike that Draitton, I
presume, alludes in the following line :

" The sharp-nebb'd Hecco stabbing at his brain ;"

Owl.
but this I have not been enabled, notwithstanding all my inqui-
ries, accurately to determine. We sometimes wonder at the
obscurity of the Classics, but here is a line, written scarcely
two hundred years ago, that is not, it appears, now intelligible.
Drayton again speaks of the Hecco in his Polyolbion, Song xiii.

K 2

196 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

The Stork (*^) too, in plumage resplendent and white.
With black mingled tastefully, soar'd in the light ;

thus, "The laughing Hecco," What bird he means by the
Tydy, in the preceding line,

" The Tydy for her notes as delicate as they,"

I do not know ; nor do I know to what bird he alludes, in ano-
ther line of the same song, under the term Yellow-pate.

The Tt/raMMMS, or Tyrant-Shrike, has the body cinereous,
beneath white, crown black, with a longitudinal tawny streak ;
eight inches long ; builds in hollow trees ; fierce, audacious ;
fixes on the back of eagles and hawks, and makes a continual
chattering till they are compelled to retire. Three other varie-
ties. Inhabits America.

(") Order, Grall^, (Linn.) Stork, Crane, Demoiselle,
Heron, Bittern, Adjutant, Egret, &c.

The geyius Ardea, (Linn.) or Crane, consists of more than
one hundred species, of which the Ciconia, or Stork, is one of
the chief. This tribe is distinguished by a long, straight, and
pointed bill, sub-compressed with a furrow from the nostril
towards the tip; nostrils linear; tongue pointed; feet four-toed,
clefl. Every quarter of the globe furnishes some of the species.
The following are the chief.

The Ciconiay Stork, or PVhite-Stork, inhabits Europe, Asia^
and America, yet never, it is sai<l, within the tropics. It is
three feet three inches long ; bill red ; the plumage is wholly
white, except some of the scapulars, the greater coverts, and
quill feathers, wiiich are black.. It is rarely met with in Eng-
land ; vast numbers resort to Holland, there to breed, and de-
part in autumn to winter in Egypt and Barbary ; it is common
also in France and Spain. In most countries the inhabitants
hold them in veneration, most probably from their destroying

THE STORK— THE CRANE. 197

Distinguish'd and highly, in annals of fame,

The sacred Grallator from Belgium last came;

reptiles, on which they feed; boxes are sometimes provided for
them on the tops of houses ; eggs from two to four, yellowish
white, the size of those of a goose. Collins in his Ode to Liberty
thus alludes to the Stork:

<< Or dwell in willow'd meeds more near
With those to whom thy Stork is dear."

In a note to the poem we are informed that among the Dutch
are severe penalties for killing this bird ; and that they are kept
tame in almost all their towns, particularly at the Hague, of the
arms of which they make a part.

The Grus, Crane, or Common-Crane, weighs nearly ten
pounds, and is in length tive feet ; the predominant plumage of
this bird is ash colour. It is common in many parts of Europe
and in Asia, migrating with the season. It was formerly com-
mon in the fenny districts of this country, but is now more rare.
Makes a singular noise in its flight, which is said to be owing to
the formation of its windpipe. Eggs two, bluish ; feeds on
reptiles and green corn. The young is good food.

The Virgo J Demoiselle-Heron, Numidian-Cranef or Dancing-
CranCf is in length three feet three inches; the bill is
two inches and a half long, straight, greenish at the base,
changing to yellow with a red tip ; the crown is ash colour ; the
rest of the head, greater part of the neck behind, and all for-
wards to the breast, black ; feathers of the latter very long, some
at least nine inches, hanging loose over the adjacent parts ; the
lower part of the neck behind, back, wings, tail, and all beneath,
bluish ash; behind each eye springs a large tuft of long white
feathers, which decline forwards, and hang in an elegant and
graceful manner ; legs long and black. Both sexes much alike.
Inhabits Africa, the warmer parts of Asia, and the shores of the

198 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Of her cities the boast — known to Gallia and Spain^-
To Afric*8 north clime, and the Nile's fertile plain ;

Mediterranean^ feeds on fish. This bird bears confinement
and breeds in some menageries; its manners are gentle, and it
sometimes puts itself in elegant attitudes; at others strange
and uncouth, especially such as imitate dancing. At Florence
a bird of this species was taught to dance to a tune when
played or sung to it. It is called in some parts of the East
Kurki or Querky ; it is common in India, where it is seen in
vast flocks on the banks of the Ganges, in company with the
crane ; it is there called Curcuma and Currakeel. The trachea
of this bird is of singular construction, not going, as in most
birds, directly to the lungs, but first enters a cavity or groove
in the keel of the breast bone for about three inches, when it
returns, after making a bend forwards, and then passes into the
chest.

The MajoTy Heron, Common -Heron, Hernj Crested-Heron y
Heronskaw, Hernshaw, Hernsew, or CranCy is about three feet three
inches long ; forehead and crown of the head white ; hind part of
the head feathers glossy black, very long, forming a loose pen-
dent crest ; neck whitish, scapulars grey and white, wing coverts
bluish grey ; bastard wings, greater quill feathers, and sides of
the body, from the breast to below the thighs, black ; beneath
white ; tail bluish ash colour ; legs very long. The female
wants the black and white feathers on the head, instead of
which that part is bluish grey, not much elongated into a crest.
Found in most parts of the known world, and common in the
fenny and marshy districts of England, where it builds fre-
quently in large numbers together on trees, such associations
being called Heronries or Cranaries. The nests are large and
flat, made with sticks, Imed with wool and other soft materials ;
eggs four or five greenish blue, size of those of a duck. Feeds
on fishes and reptiles. This bird has been observed repeat-

Tttfc HERON — NIGHT-HERON. 199

Nay, o'er earth wings its flight, everywhere is caress*d,
Finds protection alike for itself and its nest.

ediy to swallow the same eel, which has repeatedly crept

through it. It is thus described by Drayton as awaiting for

its prey :

"The long neck'd hem there waiting by the brim."

Man in the Moon,
And its flight thus :

" To inland marsh the het'n

With undulating wing scarce visible

Far up the azure concave journies on.**

^ Blackwood's Mag. May 1 822.

Cranet'ies are not very common in this country ; they are
however occasionally to be seen. At the present time (1825)
there is, and for many years past has been, a Cranery at
BrocMey woods, near Bristol. I am indebted for this informa-
tion to my friend the Rev. W. Phelps, of Wells. There are
also Heronries, according to Dr. Latham, at the following
places : — Penshurstj Kent ; Huiton, in Yorkshire ; Gobay Park,
near Penrith ; and Cressi Hall, near Spalding. There is
also now one at Donnington-in-Hollandy in Lincolnshire.—
Whitworth.

The Heron was formerly in this country a bird of game,
heron-hawking being a favourite diversion with our ancestors ;
laws were also enacted for the preservation of this bird, and the
person who destroyed its eggs was liable to a penalty of twenty
shillings.

The Gardeni, Gardenian, or Spotted-Heron, the size of a
rook, is also found occasionally in this country; it also inhabits
South Carolina and Cayenne. The Minuta, Little-Bittern,
Boonk or Long-neck, is a beautiful bird, scarcely larger than a
fieldfare in the body; it is rarely found in this country, more
frequently on the European continent.

Tiie Nycticorax, Night-Heron, Night-Raven, Lesser ash'

200 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

The Bittern came booming from marshes among;
The Heron, notorious for legs that are long,
From his trees* social city beside the moist fen,
Flew with wide flapping wing, to and fro, o'er the glen.

coloured Heron or Qua-birdj is about two feet long; it is rare in
England ; more common in Russia and America. It is minutely
described by Wilson. The crown is crested, which, and the
hind head, is dark>blue, glossed with green ; three very narrow,
white, and tapering feathers, proceed from the hind head, about
nine inches long ; these the bird erects when alarmed ; back and
scapulars deep blue, glossed with green ; beneath white. It is
migratory in Pennsylvania ; called in America Qua-bird, from
its note Qua.

The SlellariSf Bittern, Bittoury Bumpy-cossj Butter-Bump or
Miredrum^ is rather less than the common heron ; its plumage is,
in general, of a dull pale yellow, elegantly variegated with
spots and bars of black; the great coverts and quill feathers are
ferruginous, regularly barred with black ; legs pale green. In-
habits the temperate parts of Europe, Asia, and both Americas.
In this country it is found chiefly a few miles from the sea-
coast, in sedgy moors, where it breeds among reeds, laying four
or five eggs of a greenish ash-colonr. It feeds on fishes and
reptiles. About sun-set rises in the air to a vast height in a
spiral direction, makiirg a prodigious noise :

" Swift as the bittern soars on spiral wing."

Solthey's Curse of Kehama.

It also makes, a peculiarly deep and hollow sound in the spring
during the breeding season, which is called by naturalists
booming: see below. It migrates from one part of the country
to another; but it is in this kingdom scarce, and esteemed a
rarity at the tables of the great. If brought down by the gtin
with only a broken wing, it displays great courage, and cannot
with safety be secured till deprived of life. " A bittern was

THE EGRET — THE ADJUTANT. 201

The Crane, in his unostentatious ash*grey.

And with pinions of power that he chose to display,

Arose at two bounds with an eel in his mouth ;

The LITTLE white Egret, too, came from the south.

shot and eaten at Keswick by a young Cantab a few years ago ;
for which shooting," says Mr. Southey, ** I vituperate him in
spirit whenever I think of it."

The Egretta, Great-Egret, or Great-White-Heron, is three
feet three inches long ; tiie whole plumage white. It is found in
both North and South America; builds sometimes on trees; eggs
three or four, pale blue; feeds on frogs, lizards, &c. ; if taken
young, easily domesticated.

The Garzetta, or Little-Egret, is the size of a fowl ; the
whole plumage white ; found in all the warmer parts of the
globe; once plentiful in this country, although now extremely
scarce.

The Giganteuf Gigantic-Crane, Adjutant, HurgiW,/4rg-iW,
Argala, Large-Throat, or Bone-taker, is the largest of the tribe,
expanding fourteen feet ten inches ; the bill is of a vast size, yel-
lowish-white or horn colour, and opens very far up into the head ;
the head and neck naked ; front yellow ; on the lower part of
the neck, and before, is a large conical pouch ; the upper part
of the back and shoulders furnished with white feathers ; back
and wing coverts deep bluish ash; beneath white. Inhabits the
East Indies and Africa; feeds on various reptiles; a very useful
bird, and hence much respected. The feathers of the vent used
by the ladies as ornaments for the head in a similar way as those
of the ostrich.

A Crane is described in Chandler's Travels in Asia JMinor,
as having a white body with black pinions ; it is like a heron,
but much larger ; it builds frequently on domes, and other build-
ings. They often make a great clatter with their long beaks,
which is sometimes repeated by others all over the town. This
noise is sometimes continued through the whole of the night.

K 3

202 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

The Demoiselle Heron, by dancing well known,
With a bending trachea beneath the breast bone,
In attitudes elegant seem*d to delight.
While displaying his feathers long, pendent and white.
The Hoopoe (**),withtuft,look'd a gallant dragoon; —
Seem'd ready as soldier to range in platoon ;

The Turks call this bird friend and brother; of course, it is mucli
respected j a variety, most probably, of the stork. Mr. Southey
has described these birds, and the Bittern's Booming^ in the
following lines : v

"The cranes upon the mosque
Kept their night clatter still ;
When through the gate the early traveller past.
And when at evening o'er the swampy plain
The Bittern's Boom came far,
Distinct in darkness seen —
AJjove the low horizon's lingering light
Rose the near ruins of Old Babylon."

Thalaba, vol. i. page 224.
('♦) Order, Vicje, (Linn.) Hoopoe, the Common, the
Crested, the Grand Promerops, &c.
The genus Upupa, (Linn,) Hoopoe, or Hoop, consists of
ten or more species scattered over the warmer climates of the
globe. They have as arched, long, slender, convex, a littje
compressed, and somewhat obtuse, bill ; nostrils small, at the
base of the bill ; tongue obtuse, entire, triangular, very short ;
feet formed for walking. The following are the chief:

The Epops, or Common-Hoopoe, is often seen in this coun-
try ; it is a beautiful bird, in length twelve inches, and distin.
guished by its enormous tuft of feathers, which rises perpendi-
cularly from the crown of the head, and which it can erect
or depress at pleasure. The crest feathers are brown, tipt with
black ; the back, scapulars, and wings, are crossed with broad
bars of white and black j breast and belly white. Found all over

6

THE HOOPOE— THE GRAND PROMEROPS. 203

And, proud of his plumage atid proud of his air,
He mingled with birds at once splendid and rare.

the ancient continent, from Lapland and Sweden, to the
Orcades, the Canaries, and at the Cape of Good Hope. In
Europe Ihey are birds of passage, and are seen among those vast
crowds of birds which twice a-year pass the island of Malta.
Their food is insects; their flesh smells strongly of musk ; they
build in holes of rotten trees, or in old walls, occasionally in this
country ; eggs from two to seven.

The Paradisea, or Crested Hoopoe, is about the size of a
thrush, and weighs from two to four ounces ; length nineteen
inches ; two of the tail feathers very long ; inhabits India. So
large a crest, added to a creature of so diminutive a size, renders
this bird one of the most fantastical of the feathered tribe.
The crest consists of two rows of feathers equidistant; the
whole of these feathers are red, and terminate with a black spot ;
the upper part of the body is grey, with a tinge of brown,
varied with transverse waves of dirty white ; the wings and
tail are black, undulated with bars of white. Some varieties of
this jaird in Europe; a distinct species in Madagascar and the
Cape. When tamed, shews great attachment to its master ;
when fully domesticated, eats either bread or raw flesh. A va-
riety in Egypt excellent food.

The Superba, or Grand-Promerops, is one of the most rich,
splendid, and singular in plumage of tl»e whole tribe of birds.
It is the size of a pigeon in body, but measures nearly four feet
in length. Hind part of the head and upper part of the belly
glossy green ; the rest of the upper parts black, changing to
violet; inhabits New Guinea. There is a beautiful coloured
engraving of this bird in Dr. Latham's work: it is not easily
described.

The MexicanCf or Mexican Promerops, is the size of a
song thrush ; inhabits Mexico. The Papuensis, or New Guinea
Brovtn Promerops, is twenty-two inches long ; inhabits New
Guinea.

>

204 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Timid Rollers (*^)5 in robes ting'd with red and

with blue.
To clamour devoted, came also a few.
The Nuthatch (*^) was whistling while climbing the

trees,
Intent more on pleasing himself than to please.

(25) Order, Picje^ (Linn.) Roller, the Garrulous.

The genus Coracias, (Linn.) or Roller, consists of nearly
thirty species scattered over the globe; the characteristics are,
a sharp.edged bill, bent at the point, base without feathers ;
tongue cartilaginous, bifid; legs short; feet formed for walking.
The most deserving notice is

The GarniZa, Garrulous, or Common Roller, occasionally
found in England, but more commonly on various parts of the
European continent, particularly in Germany, Sicily, and
Malta, where it is sold in the markets and poulterers' shops. It
is the size of a jay ; length twelve inches and half; its general
plumage is blue ; back red; quill feathers black, primary quill
feathers beneath blue ; middle tail feathers dirty green, the rest
blue* It is remarkably clamorous, gregarious, migratory and
timid ; builds in trees, particularly the beech ; feeds on insects,
frogs, nuts, and corn. Eggs pale green, with numerous dusky
spots. Inhabits Africa and Syria, as well as Europe. The
rest of the species do not very essentially differ.

(26) Order, Pic^, (Linn.) Nuthatch.

The genus Sitta, (Linn.) or Nuthatch, consists of more
than twenty species; distinguished by a subulate, roundish,
straight, entire bill, the upper mandible a little longer, com-
pressed and angular at the tip ; tongue jagged, short, the tip
horny ; nostrils small, covered with bristles ; feet gressorial ;
hind-toe long. They are chiefly natives of America and the

THE NUTHATCH THE BUSTARD. 205

The BusTARD,(*')hugeRasor, with gular pouch long,
With legs formed for running and beak that is strong,

West Indies, a few of the Cape, and one of Europe ; this last is
denominated —

The EuropceOj Nuthatch, Nu^obbeVy or Woodcraekert is
about the size of a sparrow; in length nearly six inches; it is
cinereous, beneath reddish ; tail feathers black ; the four lateral
ones beneath tipt with white j bill three quarters of an inch
long ; another variety less in size. It is common in some dis-
tricts of this country, remaining all the year; it is said, not
seen in Cornwall nor very far north. It creeps up and down
the trunks of trees, and builds in their hollows. If Ihe entrance
of the hole be too large, it artfully fills it up with, clay till it
admits only its own body. Eggs six or seven, white, spotted
with rust colour, and are exactly like those of the great titmouse.
The nest is used as a magazine for winter provisions, and a re-
treat during the night. Their usual food is nuts, the shells of
which they break with their bills ; iii defect of such food they
eat insects and their larvcB, The notes of this bird are various;
in the spring it has a loud shrill whistle ; in the auturnn a double
reiterated cry ; it is also said to sing in the night.

There is a beautiful poem called the Filbert, written, I be-
lieve, by South EY, and print(?d in the first volume of the
Annual Anthology, 1799, in which alhision is made to this bird :
" Enough of dangers and of eneniies

Hath nature's wisdom for the worm ordained ;

Him may the Nuthatch, piercing with strong bill,

Unwittingly destroy, or to his hoard

The squirrel bear, at leisure to be crack'd."

('7) Order, Galling, {Lath.) Bustard, the Great, the
Little, the Thick-kneed.

The genus Otis, {Linn,) or Bustard, consists of seventeen
species, natives of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The characteris-

206 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Whose presence this Island regards now as rare,
Came, also, to visit the Lord of the Air.

tics of the tribe are, bill strong, a litlle incurvated ; toes three
before, none behind ; legs long, and naked above the knees.
The following, found in this country, are all that it is necessary
to describe.

The Tarda, or Great-Bustard, is said to be the largest of
the British birds, sometimes weighing as much as thirty pounds ;
found in some parts of this country, and inhabits also the open
plains of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its colour is wave-spotted
with black, and rufous; beneath white; length four feet; fe-
male not so large, weighing about twelve pounds ; she tias also
different shades of colour. The male has a long pouch, be-
ginning under the tongue, and reaching to the breast, capable
of holding several quarts of water, supposed to be for supplying
the hen whilst sitting on the young, before they can fly with that
fluid. It feeds on grains and herbs; is solitary, shy, and timid ;
flies heavily, but runs swiftly; is quick of sight and hearing;
lays two pale olive-brown eggs, with darker spots, in a hole
scraped in the ground. In anfumn they are gregarious, when
they leave the open downs for more sheltered situations. The
eggs are eagerly sought after, for the purpose of hatching under
hens: they have been reared thus in Wiltshire. As the^ are
very valuable birds, and eagerly sought after, they are become
scarce ; they are still said to exist on some of the Wiltshire
downs, but, from the latest information which I can collect,
this may be doubted. From a paper lately read before the
Linnean Society by Messrs. Sheppard and Whitear, it ap-
pears, however, that they now breed in the open parts of
Suffolk and Norfolk. Mr. Hardy, of Norwich, has domesticated
this bird, whether with advantage to its more productive powers
we are not informed.

Tetrax, Little-Bustard, or Field- Bustard, h about the
size of a pheasant, being in length seventeen inches ; the back

THE THICK-KHEED BUSTA^-D— GAME. 207

Of Game* he the monarch, whom often, of yore,
The hunter pursued over mountain and moor.

scapulars and wings are ferruginous, mottled with brown, and
crossed with black lines; great quills black, white at the base;
secondaries white ; beneath white. Rarely found in this
country; more common on the European continent, particularly
France, where it is a delicacy. Eggs said to be green, and
four or five in number.

The (Enicdemus, Thick-kneeo-Bustard, Stone-Curlew, or
Norfolk' Plover, is arranged by LinncEUS under the genus Chara-
drius, or Plover ; in compliance with later ornithologists, it js
placed under this head. The general appearance of this bird is
greyish ; two first quill feathers black, white in the middle.
Inhabits Europe, Asia, and Africa. Migrates to this country,
being found here the latter end of April; frequents open hilly
situations, corn-fields, heaths, warrens. Lays two eggs, of a
light brown colour, blotched with dusky, on the bare ground.
Feeds on insects, worms, and reptiles. They leave this country
in October. The male makes a piercing shrill cry.

* The following are now the chief of the birds in this country
by law denominated Game : Partridges, Pheasants, Woodcocks,
Snipes, Quails, Landrails, Heath-fowl, commonly called Black-
game; Grous, called Red-game and Moor-game. But there are
laws also, now become a kind of dead -letter, for the protection
of the eggs of Cranes, Biltours, Herons, Bustards, Shovelards,
Mallards, Teals, or other Wildfowl. There is also a particular
law for the protection of the eggs of Pheasants,, Partridges, and
Swans, Bustards are also forbidden to be killed between the
first of March and the first of September; Partridges, Pheasants,
and Heath-fowl, are also similarly protected ; and destroying
Wild Ducks, Teal, Widgeons, or other Water-fowl, in any fen,
lake, broad-water, or other resort for wild-fowl, during the
moulting season, namely, bctwei^n the first of June and the
first of October, subjects the offender to a penalty of 5s.

208 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Degrading employment such toils of the chase ;
May wisdom supply a more glorious race !
The Wrynecks(^') contorting, the Cuckoo pursued;
And, as long as they chose, a few Turtle-Doves
coo'd.

There were formerly great flocks of bustards in this country,
upon the wastes and in woods, where they were hunted by
greyhounds, and easily taken. They have been latterly recom-
mended to be bred as domestic fowls, and, to those who desire
novelty, the bustard seems to be peculiarly an object for pro-
pagation ; the flesh is delicious ; and it is supposed that good
feeding and domestication might stimulate them to lay more
eggs.

(*8) Order, ViCMy {Linn.) Wryneck.

The genus Yunx, {Linn.) or Wryneck, consists of one spe-
cies only, as follows :

The Torquilla, Wryneck, Long-tongue, Emmet-Hunter, or
Cuckoo's Maiden, is a beautiful bird about seven inches long ;
it has a smooth-pointed, a little incurved, weak bill; feet
climbers; colour grey, varied with brown and blackish ; belly
reddish white, with blackish spots ; tail feathers waved, with
black spots, streaks, and bars ; the whole plumage a mixture of
grey, black, and tawny. It arrives in this country sometimes
as early as the middle of March. Its chief food is ants and
their eggs, which it takes with the tongue. The name Wryneck
has been given to it from the awkward contortions of its head
and neck ; it also erects the feathers of the head in a terrific
manner. It makes a noise very much like the smaller species of
hawks. It quits this country about September, at which time
it grows very fat, and is then esteemed a delicacy : it has
sometimes been called an ortolan, from its resemblance to that
delicate bird.

"The Welsh," says Mr. Gisborne, "consider the Wryneck

THE MERGANSER — GOOSANDER. 209

3IERGANSERS (*') came many, with fish in their

throat,
By gluttony prompted their bodies to bloat.

a> the forerunner or servant of the cuckoo; the Swedes regard
it in the same light ; in the midland countries of England the
common people call it the Cuckoo's Maiden," Is this one of the
birds to which I have alluded as sometimes seen acconipan^'ing
the cuckoo ? See the note on the cuckoo.
*' In sober brown
Drest, but with nature's tenderest pencil touch'd,
The wryneck her monotonous complaint
Continues ; harbinger of her who doom'd
Never the sympathetic joy to know
That warms the mother cowering o'er her young,
A stranger robs, and to that stranger's love
Her egg commits unnatural."

GiSBORNE's Walks in a Forest.

C) Order, Anseres, (Linn.) Merganser, Goosander,
Smew, Dun Diver, &c.

The gentis MERGUS,(LiMn.) or Merganser, consists of six or
more species, five of which are common to this country, the rest
to Europe and America. They have a toothed, slender, cylin-
drical bill, hooked at the point ; nostrils small oval ; feet four-
toed, three before palmate; hind toe furnished with a fin.
Most of the species are of a middle size, between that of a
gooseiand a duck. They swallow with voracity fishes that are
too large to enter entire into the stomach, and hence, while one
end is digesting, the other often remains in the throat. They
are said to be the most destructive of all birds which plunder
the waters; their flesh is very indifferent food. The following
are the chief :

The Merganser, or Goosander, is white, subcrested ; head,

210 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

There were Cormorants stretching their necks as

they flew ;
And the White Nun of beauty, nam'd vulgarly Smew.
The Dun-Diver, too, from a far northern lake,
With the Goosander came of the glee to partake.

neck, and upper part of the breast and wings glossy black ; tail
cinereous. Feeds on fish ; flesh rancid. Found in our rivers
and lakes in severe winters, but retires to more northern lati-
tudes to breed. It is said to be found in the Hebrides in
summer, and to continue in the Orkneys the whole year. It is
found also on the European continent, in Asia, Greenland, and
some parts of America.

The Minutus, Minute-Merganser, Minute-Smewy fVeesel
Coot J Red-headed Smewj or Lough- Diver, is about the size of a
teal ; colour brown ash, beneath white. Not often met with
in the south of England, and then only in severe winters.

The Serratory Red-Breasted Merganser, Red-breasted
Coosandery Lesser-tootJied Diver, or Serulay has a pendent crest,
breast varied with reddish ; length twenty inches ; seen occa-
sionally in the south of England ; more frequently in the
nortii; said to breed in Holland; found also in Russia and
Siberia.

The Castor y Dun-Diver, or Sparkling-Fowly is twenty-five
inches long ; found in the north of England ; and in Germany,
and in the lakes in the more northern parts of the world.

The AlbelluSy Smew, or White-Nun, has the body white; back
and temples black ; wings variegated ; rather larger that a
teal; found occasionally in this country; but mostly inhabits
the northern lakes. This is the most beautiful of the whole
tribe.

The Imperialis, or Imperial Goosander, is varied with
black, brown, and grey; size of a goose ; inhabits Sardinia.

M ..................

V The grey-brown Austrian Pratincole (^°) strutted
■ along;

The shrew'd Oyster-catcher (^*) made one of the
throng ;

(3«) Order, Grall^, (Lath.) Pratincole, the Austrian,
the Senegal, the Spotted.
The g-^MUs Glareola, (Lath.) or Pratincole, consists of
seven species ; they have a strong, stout, straight bill, hooked
at the tip ; nostrils at the base of the bill linear, oblique; gape
of the mouth large; feet fonr-toed ; toes long, slender, connected
at the base by a membrane ; tail forked. The following are the
chief: the Austriaaty or Austrian Pratincole, is above grey-
brown, collar black ; chin and throat white ; breast and belly
reddish grey ; about nine inches long. Four other varieties ;
three inhabit the heaths of Europe, near the banks of rivers ;
two found on the coast of Coromandel. Feeds on worms and
aquatic insects ; is very noisy and clamorous. The Sencgalensis,
or Senegal Pratincole, is entirely brown ; nine and a half
inches long ; found in Senegal and Siberia. The Ncevia, or
Spotted Pratincole, is brown spotted with white; size of
the Austriaca ; inhabits Germany.

(31) Order, Grall^, (Linn.) Oyster-Catcher.
The genus H^matopus, (Linn.) or Oyster-Catcher, con-
sists of four species, of which the OstralgeuSf Sea-Pie, Oyster-
Catcher, Pied Oyster-Catcher, Pienet, or OlivCy is the
chief. It has a compressed bill, the tip an equal wedge ;
nostril linear ; tongue a third part of the length of the bill ;
feet formed for running; toes three, no back toe ; body some-
times totally black : frequently head, neck, and body, above
black, beneath white; inhabits almost every shore; common on
the sea coasts of this country ; about sixteen inches long; feeds
on marine worms and insects, but chiefly on oysters and limpets,
whicli it obtains from the shells with great dexterity. It makes

212 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS*

The Auk (^*) for stupidity ever renown'd ;

And Puffins, and Terns, too, in numbers abound.

no nest, but deposits its eggs, which are, generally, olivaceous
brown, on the bare ground, above high-water mark. It is easily
tamed when young, and has been known to attend ducks and
other poultry to feed and shelter.

(3*) Order, Anserks, (Linn.) Auk, Razor-Bill, Puffin,
Penguin, &c.

The genus Alca, (Linn.) Auk, consists of more than ten spe-
cies; the following are its characteristics ; bill tootliless, short;
lower mandible gibbous near the base ; nostrils linear; tongue
almost as long as the bill; toes three, forward, webbed, none
behind. Its colour is nearly uniform, above black, beneath
white ; body shaped like a duck's. It is chiefly an inhabitant
of the arctic seas ; very stupid ; builds in rabbit holes and
fissures of rocks; lays one egg. The following deserve notice.

The Pica, or Black-billed Auk, is the shape and size of the
Razor-billf and found on our coasts in the winter season.

The TordUf Razor-bill, Aukf Common-Auk, or Mutre,
weighs about twenty-seven ounces; is, in length, eighteen
inches. Bill two inches long, from the corner of the mouth,
much compressed sideways, three quarters of an inch deep at
the largest part, much arched and hooked at the upper end of
the mandible; all the upper parts of the bird are a dusky black,
beneath white. This bird is not seen in this country in the
winter, but repairs to our rocky coasts in the spring, where it
lays one very large egg, size of a turkey's, of a dirty white co-
lour, blotched with brown and dusky, on the projecting shelves
of the highest rocks, where the birds may be seen by hundreds
in a row, and where they may be taken up and replaced ; such
appears to be their great stupidity. Feeds on small fish, par-
ticularly sprats. The eggs of this bird, and of the foolish
guillemot, are an article of trade in several of the Scpttish

THE PUFFIN — THE AUK.

213

The Wild-Geese, in triangle-troops, from the fen,
With wing slow and steady, flew over the glen.

isles J Ihey are used for refining sugar. They are also eaten by
the natives ; they are obtained by suspending a person to a rope
from the tops of the cliflPs.

The Arcticuy Puffin, Coultemel, Lunda Bonger, Mullet, Bot-
tle-nose, Pope, Marrot, or Sea-Parrot, of which there are two va-
rieties, is, in length, about twelve inches; it inhabits the northern
seas of Europe, Asia, and America, in vast flocks; body black,
cheeks, breasts, and belly, white; bill red; legs red. Feeds
on fish and sea-weed ; flesh, except when very young, rank.
Appears on our rocky coasts in April;- egg one, which it lays
in the crevice of a rock or in rabbit burrows; also burrows oc-
casionally like rabbits, in order to lay its egg. The young are
sometimes caught with ferrets; they are preserved pickled.
They are found on Dover cliffs, where it is, indiscriminately
with the Razor-bill, called fVillock; off the coast of Anglesea,
6ic. They leave our coasts together with the Razor-bill and
Guillemot in September.

The winter haunts of these birds have been heretofore meiely
conjectured. The late voyagers to the arctic regions, however,
inform us that they are found in great numbers on the open
waters of the polar seas ; that they there feed on insects ; and
where also they furnished the navigators with an agreeable
repast.

The Impennis, Great-Auk, or Penguin, inhabits Europe and
America; is three feet long; timid; cannot fly, but dives admi-
rably ; feeds on fishes; head, neck, back, and wings, glossy
black; wings short, as though mere rudiments; legs black.
Found only in the most northern parts of the kingdom; said
to breed on St. Kilda. Egg one, white; six inches long;
sometimes irregularly marked or blotched with ferruginous, and
black at the larger end.

The AUe, Little-Auk, or Greenland- Dove, is rather larger
than a blackbird ; its plumage is generally black above, beneath

214 BRITISH ANP EUROPEAN BIRDS.

The Petrels, (^^) those storm-birds which sailors

affright,
Their oil spouted out with apparent delight.

white. Seen occasionally in this country; but common in
Greenland, where it breeds; eggs two, bluish white, size of a
pigeon's.

(33) Order, Anseres, (Linn.) PETRELtheGiANT, the Stormy,
the Broad-billed, the Fulmar, the Shearwater, &c.

The genus Procellaria, (Linn.) or Petrel, consists of
about thirty species ; three, the Pelagicuj or Stormy-Petrel,
the Puffinus, or Shearwater, and the Glacialis, or Fulmar,
are found in this country. The characteristics of the tribe are,
a strait bill bent at the end ; nostrils in one tnbe ; legs naked a
little above the knee. Toes three, forward, webbed ; a spur
behind instead of a back toe. They live chiefly at sea, and
have the faculty of spouting from their bills, to a considerable
distance, a large quantity of pure oil. They feed on the fat of
dead whales and other fishes.

The Giguntea, Giant-Petrel, or Mother Gary's Goose, is the
largest of the Petrel genus, being in length forty inches, and ex-
pands seven feet ; body above pale brown, mottled with dusky
white, beneath white. Found at the Isle of Desolation, and other
places in higli southern latitudes ; most active in storms or at the
approach of them. It visits also, occasionally, the northern
hemisphere. Feeds on flesh and fish. Flesh said to be good.

The PelagicUf Stormy-Petrel, Storm-finch, Little Petrel,
Witch, or Mothei'-Cary's-Chicken ; in ^ome provinces called, I
believe, Sea-swallow, and, in its general appearance, size, and
flight, is not unlike a swallow. It is above black, beneath
sooty brown, or dusky ; rump white : another variety having the
wing coverts spotted with green ; inhabits most seas ; they are
excellent divers, and are said to breed in some of our northern
islands. They are seen in vast numbets all over the atlantic
ocean, and will follow a ship for many days ; except at breeding

THE SHEARWATER THE PETREL- 215

The Sparrow-Hawk, also, seem'd pleas'd to be there;
His garden to-day did not ask for his care.

time, seldom seen near the shore ; braves the utmost fury of the
storm, skimming along with great velocity among the waves j
if seen hovering round tli6 sterns of vessels, a presage of foul
weather. Seen occasionally on the various coasts of this
country, and sometimes far inland. One was lately taken at
Yarmouth, Norfolk ; when killed, oil issued from the nostrils.
" Here ran the stormy-petrels on the waves
As though they were the shadows of themselves. —
They plough'd not, sow'd not, gather'd not in barns,
Yet harvests inexhaustible they reap'd
In the prolific furrows of the main ;
Or from its sunless raverns brought to light
Treasures for which contending kings might war:
From the rough shell they pick'd the luscious food,
And left a prince's ransom in the pearl."

Montgomery's Pelican Island.
The Puffinusy Shearwater, Shearwater- Petr el, Manks- Puffin,
or Lyre, is black above, beneath white ; length fifteen inches ;
another variety, above cinereous, beneath white ; inhabits
southern and antarctic seas ; found also in the Hebrides,
Orkney Isles, and the Calf of Man, where they breed ; egg one,
white, laid in a rabbit burrow or other hole. The young are
taken in August, salted and barrelled, and, when boiled, eaten
with potatoes. The young of these, and some other of the spe-
cies, are fed by the oil discharged from their stomachs. Mi-
grates from the Scottish isles in autumn.

The Vittata; or Broad-billed Petrel, is bluish ash, be-
neath white ; inhabits the antarctic seas^ twelve inches long;
flies in numerous flocks. The Urinatrix is blackish-brown ; be-
neath white ; dives dexterously ; inhabits round New Zealand
in numerous flocks ; eight and a half inches long.
The Glacialis, Fulmar-Petrel, or Fulmar, is whitish, back

6

BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

There were Moor- Hens (^•*) and Didappers, many

a Coot.
The Willow-wren touched, with much taste, too, his

lute.

hoary; another variety with blackish wings; size of a gull.
Rarely seen on our southern coasts, but frequent in some of the
islands of the north of Scotland; breeds at St. Kilda, and sup-
plies the inhabitants with a large quantity of oil, which is used
for culinary as well as medical purposes; egg one, large, white-
Feeds on the most oily fishes. It is also found in New Zealand,
and affords food, feathers for beds, oil for lamps, and a medicine
in almost every disease incident to the New Zealandersj it is
found also in various other parts of the world.

(3+) Order, Grall^, (Linn.) Coot the Common, the
GiiEATER, the Moor; Gallinule, the Purple, the
Crowing, &c.

The genus Fulica, (Linn.) or Coot, consists of forty or more
species, including several of the birds termed Gallinules.
Among which the Chloropus, or Moor-Hen, will be found.
This tribe of birds frequent waters ; feed on worms, insects,
and small fishes ; the body is compressed, bill thick, and bent in
towards the top, the upper mandible reaching far up the fore-
head ; wings and tail short. The Galt.inules have the feet
cleft, the wings short and concave. The Coots have the toes
surrounded by a scolloped membrane ; the mandibles equal ;
nostrils oval, narrow, and short. The Gallinules, therefore, are
to be distinguished by cleft feet ; the Coots by pinnate feet. Dr.
Latham has separated these into distinct genera; — seethe
Introduction. The following are the chief:

Thfe Chloropus, Common-Gallinule, Moor-Hen, Common
Water Hen, More-Hen, Marsh-Hen^ Cuddy, or Moor-Coot, lias a
blackish body, or sooty mixed with olive, beneath ash-colour ;
bill reddish towards the base; sides red. Inhabits Europe and

MOOR-ttEN-— Coot. 217

Some dark, sooty Gallinules, known by cleft feet,
Were there, too, the Aquiline Monarch to greet.

America, and also this country. Fourteen inches long. Flies
\vith difficulty, but runs and swirns well; builds Dear the water
side, on low trees or shrubs; strikes with its bill like a hen;
eggs dirty wliitish, spotted with rust-colour, from six to ten in
number, which it lays twice or thrice a year. Time of incuba-
tion three weeks ; the young take to the water immediately on
being hatched. Abounds in the fenny districts of England ;
flesh delicious.

Of the Atra, Coot, Common-Coot, ov Bald-Cnot, there are
five varieties ; one with a blackish body ; another black with
white wings ; another entirely black; another brown, but the
chin, belly, and primary quill feathers white ; head spotted
with white, the upper mandible red ; another white, with a few
spots on the head and wings. This species inhabits Europe,
Asia, and America ; length fifteen inches, and is frequent in
this country in many of our lakes, rivers, and large ponds,
forming a floating nest among the flags. Eggs six, or more,
dirty white, sprinkled with minute rusty spots. The young,
when hatched, very deformed ; runs along the water ; swims
and dives dexterously; feeds on insects, fishes, and seeds; in
winter often repairs to the sea. They are occasionally sold in
our markets ; flavour rather fishy. It breeds in Norfolk in
considerable numbers, where large gulls attack and devour
them. The Coot is soon reconciled to confinement, and be-
comes domestic.

This bird, if deprived of water in which to pass the night,
will roost, as other land birds, upon any elevated situation : it
will ascend a tree with the activity of the wren. Linn. Transact*
vol. xiv, page 558.

*'The Coot her jet-wing loved to lave,
Rock'd on the bosom of the sleepless wave."

Rogers's Pleasures of Memory.
L

21,8 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Long-tailed Capons C^) came also, whose singu-
lar nest,
With its skill and its comfort hath many impress'd.

The Aterrima, or Great kr-Coot, with a blackish body, in-
habits, like the last, our own country, and other parts of Eu-
rope, but is by no means so common a bird. It differs from the
preceding chiefly in size and the deepness of its black colour.

The Purpureoy or Crowing-Gallinule, is purple j inhabits
the marshes of New Spain, and crows like a cock.

The Porphyrio, Purple-Gallinule, or Sultanu, inhabits
most of the temperate and warm places of the globe j seventeen
inches long ; head and neck glossy violet and violet blue ; body,
for the most part, of a dull glossy green; eggs three or fourj
time of incubation from three to four weeks ; associating with
other fowls, and, like them, scratching the ground. It is docile,
and easily tamed, and is altogether a curious bird; it stands on
one leg, and lifts its food to its mouth with the other j feeds on
fishes, roots, fruits, and seeds.

(35) Order, Pass eres, (Linn.) Titmouse, the Long-tailed,
the Great, the Blue, or Tomtit, the Marsh, the Bearded,
the Amorous, the Crested, &c.

The genus Parus, {Linn.) or Titmouse, comprehends nearly
forty species, of which the CaudatuSf or Long-tailed Capon,
is one. Tliey have a straight, strong, sharp-pointed bill; nostrils
round, covered with reflected bristles, tongue truncated ; toes
divided to their origin, back toe long and strong. It is a very
fertile tribe, laying sometimes from ten to twenty eggs; feeds
on seed, fruit, insects, and a few on flesh. They are restless,
bold, and cruel to birds less than themselves, and will attack
such as are three times their own size. The following are the
chief:

The Caudatus, Long-tailed Titmouse, Long-tailed Capon,
Huch-muckf Bottle-Tom, Bum-barrel, Bairel-Tit, Long-tail Mag,

1

LONG-TAILLD GREAT TITMOUSE — TOMTIT. 219

Even the elegant Oriole,* in vesture of gold,
(Go thou who art sceptic such birds' nests behold!)
Came to grace, by his presence, the redolent spring,
And to proffer respect to the Aquiline King.

Long-tail Pie^ Mum'Tuffin^ or Pudiling-Poke, is the smallest of
the tribe ; the tail longer than the body ; crown white ; greater
wing covens black, lesser brown, edged with rosy; length
rather more than five inches. For a descriplion of its nest see
the Notes to thelntrodnction. The nest is, however, occasionally
varied in size, form, and the position of its entrance. In a
drawing of one, a fac-simile of it, lately obtained for me by a
friend from the neighbourhood of Dover, it is much neater ex-
ternally than this nest usually appears : it looks like a truncated
cylinder, the top being arched over, on one side of which is the
hole. Eggs small, seventeen or more, white spotted with rusty;
sometimes a pure white without any spots. Feeds on insects
and their larvae. Inhabits Europe and this country.

The Major, Great-Titmouse, Ox-eye, Great-black-headed
Tomtit, Black-cap, has the head black, cheeks white ; back and
wings olive green ; rump blue grey ; belly greenish yellow ;
length five inches and three quarters ; frequents gardens, but
builds in woods ; eggs ten, or more, colour of those of the pre-
ceding. Said to be injurious to gardens and orchards by pick-
ing oflFthe tender buds from trees ; but this may be questioned.
Inhabits Europe, Asia, Africa, and this country. Another
variety with the bill forked, and crossed as in the loxia cur-
virostra, thence named the Cross-hill Titmouse. Builds in the
hole of a wall or a tree.

T\\e Car ulcus. Tomtit, Blue-Titmouse, Nun, or HickmaUyhas
the back yellowish-green, tail blue; body, beneath, white-
yellow ; four and a half inches long ; frequents gardens like the

* For an account of the G olden-Oriole y see Part II.; for the
Orioles' msts, see page 23.

L2

220 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Many Titmice were there too — the Bearded — the

Great;
One whose penduline nest is commodious and neat.

last ; said to be t» very mischievous bird ; breeds in holes of
walls, and lays six or more eggs, similar in colours to the pre-
ceding. Inhabits every part of Europe, and well known in this
country. It is a great enemy to the annual sun-flower seed,
destroying it almost always, if not prevented long before it is
ripe. In food this bird appears, however, to be omnivorous,
eating even flesh. Except in its attacks on the sun-flower seed,
(Helianthus unnuus,) I am noi aware of any of its mischievous
depredations ; although in some places the churchwardens still
pay, I believe, for tomtits' heads as well as those of sparrows.

The Palustris, Marsh-Titmouse, Black-cap^ or Little black-
headed Tomtit f has the head black ; back cinereous ; temples
white. Three other varieties ; all found in this country, ex-
cept one, a native of Louisiana. It is rather larger titan the
tomtit.

The Peniluiinus, or Penduline-Titmouse, frequents moist
and marshy places, and builds a nest in the shape of a large
purse, with an opening on one side, and attached to the end of
some brancli of a tree hanging over water; eggs white; four
and a half inches long; inhabits Europe, as far as Siberia.

The Biai'tnicus, Bearded-Titmouse, or Least -Butcher -Bird,
is a very elegant species ; six and a quarter inches long ; the head
is bearded ; body rufous ; tail longer than the body ; suspends
its nest between three reeds ; inhabits Europe in marshy places,
and found in our own countiy.

The Amatorius, or Amorous-Titmouse, is blackish bine, five
and half inches long; remarkable for the great aff'ection which
each sex shows for each other ; inhabits Northern Asia.

Beside these, the following inhabitants of this country may
also be mentioned : the Cristatus, or Crested-TitmousE ;
and the Ater, or Colemouse.

THE COMMON PARTRIDGE. 221

The Partridges (^*), also, well pleas'd came to
court,
Secure, as they hoped, both from Sportsmen and
Sport.

(36) Order, Galling, (Linn.) Partridge, Grouse, Quail,
Ptarmigan, Tinamou, &c.

The genus Tetrao, (Linn.) under which the Partridge,
Grouse, &c. are arranged, consists of more than one hundred
and thirty species, scattered over various parts of the world ;
several of them are inhabitants of this country. The general
character of the tribe is iiaving, near the eye, a spot which is
either naked or papillous, or, rarely, covered with feathers. It
has also been tlius subdivided : — Grouse having tiie spot over
the eye naked; legs downy; feet in some four, in some three,
toed. — Partridge and Quail, orbits granulated, legs naked;
the Partridges in the male armed with a spur at the legs; the
Quails destitute of a spur. — The Tinamou, orbits with a few
feathers, legs naked, four toed, unarmed. Dr. Latham has
de&cribed fifteen species of the Tinamou (Tinamus), ninety-one
of the Partridge (Perdix), and twenty-seven of the Grouse
{Tetrao). The following are the chief species of this numerous
tribe.

The Perdix, Partridge, or Common- Partridge, has under
the eyes a naked, scarlet spot; general colour of the plumage
cinereous brown and black mixed ; breast brown, tail ferrugi-,
nous, legs white. Several varieties,— greyish white— entirely,
white — collar white — body brown — chin and upper part of the
throat tawny. Inhabits Europe and Asia, and well known in
this country. Length thirteen inches ; frequents corn tields
and pastures ; feeds on corn, seeds, and insects ; lays from four-
teen to twenty or more* yellowish, or greenish grey, eggs,
rather smaller than a pigeon's; nest on the ground, in the dry

h

* I once saw a Partridge's nest with twenty-one egg3 in it.

222 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

In VARIETY many, — of white and of red ; —

By Eld often quoted, by Fame often said,

That the young run away with the sheUs on their head.

margins of corn-fields, and oilier quiet and grassy places, and little
care evinced in its construction. Time of incubation three
weeks. Flesh {generally esteemed.

The running away icith the shell upon the head, as mentioned in
the text, is sometimes, I believe, in regard to the hatching of
Partridges, and others of the i?aso7' tribe, a literal fact: hence,
when a person undertakes any thing before being properly pre-
pared for or instructed concerning it, has arisen the common
expression. He runs away with the shell vpon his head.

The Rvfus, RED-PARTRincE, Greek- Partridge^ Red-legged
Partridge, Guernsey-Partridge, French- Partridge, or Barbary-
Partridge, is rather larger than the common Partridge, bill and
legs blood red; chin white, surrounded by a black band spot-
ted with white. Inhabits Southern Europe and the Greek
Islands. Several varieties; one found sometimes on the coast
of Norfolk and Suffolk. Perches occasionally on trees, and
breeds in confinement, which the common Partridge is never
known to do.

The LagopuSf Ptarmigan, White-Game, or White-Partridge,
is cinereous, quill feathers white, tail feathers black tipt with
white, middle ones white j toes downy; length fourteen or
fifteen inches. Inhabits the alpine parts of Europe and Siberia,
and common in the Highlands of Scotland. Eggs pale rufous,
with red brown spots. It is said to be a stupid bird, and bur-
rows under the snow. A variety of this species was found by
Captain Parry in the high latitudes of North America.

The Perching-Partridge inhabits India; it is noted for
perching on trees ; plumage above pale brown, beneath pale
brownish grey-

The Urogitlliis, Wood-Grouse, Cock-of-the-Wood, Great-Grouse,
Cock-of -the- Mountain, Caper-Calze, Auer-Catze, Horse-of-the-
Woods, or Cnper Cally, is nearly as largo as a Turkey, being two

WOOD GROUSE — BLACK GROUSE. TZ6

There came Ptarmigans, too, from the regions of

snow ; —
The CocK-OF-THE-WooD was e'er ready to crow; —

feet eight or nine inches long ; the male, which is considerably
larger than i\\e female, sometimes weighs fifteen pounds, more
frequently seven or eight. The two sexes differ greatly in
colour as well as in size. The head, neck, and hack of the
male is elegantly marked with slender lines of grey and black
running transversely 5 the upper part of the breast is a shining
green, the rest of the breast and belly black, mixed with some
white feathers; tail black, with a few white spots. The. female
is red on the throat ; head, neck, and back, marked with bars
of red and black; belly orange ; tail ferruginous, barred with
black ; length twenty-six inches. Eggs from eight to sixteen,
white spotted with yellow, larger than tliose of the domestic
hen. Inhabits the mountainous and woody parts of Europe
and Northern Asia, rarely found in this country. These birds,
it is said, never pair, but the cock calls the females together by
a peculiar cry which he makes perched upon a tree:
" And from the pine's high top brought down
The Giant Grot/se, while boastful he display'd
His breast of varying green, and crovv'd and clapp'd
His glossy wings."

GiSBORNE's Walks in a Forest — Spring,
This bird differs from most of the other species of the genus in
his predilection for woods, and in perching on trees. Feeds
on the tops of the pine antl birch, and also on juniper berries.
Flesh, of course, good. -=>« "> '-JJ*

The Tetrix, Black-Grouse, Black-Game, Slack-CStk, Heath-
Cock, Heath-Fowl, or Heath-Poult, is violet black, tail forked ;
several varieties ; weighs sometimes four pounds ; length twenty-
three inches. Female less than the inale ; her general colour
ferruginous, barred and mottled with black, beneath paler.
Eggs six or seven, dirty white, blotched with rust colour, size

224 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

The voice of the Heath-Cock was heard loud and shrill;
Many groups of Red-Grouse, too, rose over the hill.

of those of a pheasant. Inhabits tlie mountainoos and woody
districts of England and Europe at large.

Accordingf to Pennant this bird is remarkable for his
exultation during the spring, when he calls the hen to his haunts
with a loud and shrill voice, and is so inattentive to his safety as
to be easily shot.

"High on exulting wing the Heath-Cock rose,
And blew his shrill blast o'er perennial snows.^'

Rogers's Pleasures of Memory.

The Scoticus, Ked-Grouse, Ard-Game, Moor-Cock, or Gor-
Cock, is sixteen inches long, transversely streaked with rufous
and blackisii ; six outer tail feathers on each side blackish.
Colours of the female not so dark as the male. Eggs
from eight to fourteen, like those of the Black-Grouse, but
smaller. Inhabits extensive uncultivated wastes covered with
heath in Wales, Yorkshire, and the Highlands of Scotland.
Found in flocks of thirty or forty in the winter season.

** Sounds strange and fearful there to hear,
'Mongst desert hills where, leagues around,
Dwelt hut tlie Gor-cock and the deer."

Sir Walter Scott's Bridal of Triermain, Canto Hi,

The Cupido, Pinnated-Grouse, Heath-Hen^ Prarie-Heiif
Mountain-Cock, or Banen-Hen. The last name given to it in
consequence of its being found on the wild tracts of America
called barrens. This bird is the size of a pheasant ; length
nineteen inches; weighs three pounds aud a half; plumage
reddish brown, transversely barred with black and white
waved lines ; feathers of the head elongated into a crest ; on
each side of the neck a tuft of feathers ; under the neck tufts, in
the male, are two wrinkled bladders, which the bird can in-

I

THE HEATH-HEN — QUAll. 225

While the Tame-Ducks, and Drakes with their

collars of green,
Recurvate their tails, on the waters were seen,

flate ; when distended they resemble a middle sized orange ;
toes naked, pectinated, pale brown. Found in Carolina, New
Jersey, and other parts of North America, and particularly on
the bushy plains of Long Island. Feeds on huckle berries, the
acorns of the dwarf oak and other fruits, and insects. Eggs
numerous ; nest on the ground j flesh good. In September seen
in flocks of two hundred or more. In the year 1791 an act was
passed in the United States for the preservation of this bird, in
which a fine of two dollars was imposed on any one killing it
between the 1st of April and 5th of October. It is become,
notwithstanding this act, in America (and it has been rarely,
I believe, heard of elsewhere) a scarce and dear bird.

The Coturnixj or Quail, has the body spotted with grey;
eye-brows white; tail feathers with a ferruginous edge and
crescent ; seven and a half inches long : another variety much
larger. Inhabits the whole of the old world, but not, it is said,
America. It is a bold bird, and used in China for fighting, as
in this country are game cocks ; and at Athens, formerly, quail
fighting was as common as cock fighting is at the present time;
it was also at Rome a common diversion ; it is said, indeed, that
in the time of Augustus a prefect of Egypt was punished with
death for having served up at an entertainment one of these
birds which had acquired celebrity from its victories ! It is a
migratory bird, appearing in England the beginning of May,
and leaving it in October ; a few, however, are said to remain
throughout the winter; feeds on green wheat and in stubbles;
calls nearly all night ; the males are taken by imitating them.
Eggs eight or ten whitish, laid like the partridge on the ground;
they are occasionally blotched with dusky ; they are said to lay
many more eggs than ten in Italy. Quails are seen in vast
flocks in various places contiguous to the Mediterranean Sea

l3

226 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

The bright Citrinel* cried " Willy winky" aloud;
The Turnstone and Knot made a part of the crowd ;
Sea-Swaxlow8, Sea-Crows, and some Shear-
waters came ;
And many more sea-birds not known unto fame.

during tlieir migration. Tlioii>andH have been taken in a day
in the kingdom of Naples.

Tlie Virginianus, or Virginian-Quail, is rather less than the
common partridge; it inhabits the woods of America, and
perches on trees.

The Kakelik has the bill, eye-brows, and legs, scarlet; size
of a pigeon; is named from its note Kakelik; inhabits China.

The Majoff Great-Tinamou, or Great- Parti idge, has a yel-
low body. legs yellowish brown; bill black, back and tail with
black spots ; eighteen inches long ; roosts on the lowest branches
of trees; feeds on worms, insects, and fruits; builds twice a-
year, and lays from twelve to fifteen eggs; inliabits the woods of
South America. Note a dull kind of whistle, which may be
heard a great way off; the natives imitate it to decoy them.

The above birds are all more or less excellent food, and
known by the general term Game. Many of the tribe are ex-
tremely pugnacious, particularly the grouse, partridges, and
quails ; this arises most probably from the fact that the males
are^enerally more numerous than the females. Some of this
genus of birds in cold climates vary in plumage exceedingly du-
ring the summer and winter montlts.

* Emberiza Citrinella, or Yellow-Hammer, (see Note 20),
one of the few birds to whicJi in this work a new name is given,
and this is here done from the intractable nature of the old one.
Some of our naturalists have described the song of the yellow-
hammer as being composed of only six or seven notes, but it is
very often many more than six. They are uttered with consi-
derable rapidity, the penult being dwelt upon with much em-
phasis, ♦' Willy willy, willy willy f willy willy, wink ky."'

I

SCOOPING AVOSET — AMERICAN AVOSET. 227

There were Gannets,* too^ — Kilda's prime, staple

support ;
And some Shags* that on ocean delight oft to sport.

With recurvate and flexible beak ting'd with jet,
Appear'd, too, the ScoopeVj yclept Avoset (^7).
The Pigeons Domestic in large circles soar;
While the Cock and Hen sought out the granary door :
In VARIETY there seen, a numerous tribe,
Whom pen or whom pencil could scarcely describe;
Pugnacity ever their prominent trait, —
Which young and which old, all observant, obey.

(37) Order, Giiall^e, (jLiwn.) Avoset, the Scooping, the
American, the White.

The g-«itts Recurvi ROSTRA, (Linn.) or Avoset, consists of
four species, distinguished by a depressed, subulate, recurved
bill ; pointed, flexible at the top; feet palmate. The chief are
the following.

The AvocettUj Avoset, Scooping-Avoset, Butter-flip^
Scoopet'j Yelper, Picarini, Crooked'bill, or Cobler's-awl, is varie-
gated with white and black ; length eighteen inches ; bill black,
recurved at the point, flexible like whalebone ; toes webbed
about half their length ', feeds on worms and marine insects,
which it scoops out of the mud or sand^ eggs two, white tinged
with green, and marked with large black spots, size of a
pigeon's. Inhabits southern Europe, and found also in this
country.

The Amei'icanus, or Ameuican-Avoset, has the back black,
beneath white ; seventeen inches long j inhabits North America
and New Holland. — The Alba, or White-Avoset, is white,
wing coverts brownish; bill orange; fourteen inches and a half
long ; inhabits Hudson's Bay.

• See Part II. for a description of both Gannets and bfidgs,
tmder the genus Pelecioius.

228 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

The TuRKEY-CocK (3^) Strutted his ladies beside,
And, with "Go6, Gobble,'" note, spread his tail fea-
thers wide ;

(38) Order, Galling, {Linn.) Turkey, the Common, the
Horned.

Theg-ewtt«MELEAGRis,(Lin«.)or Turkey, consists oftwospe-
cies only, distinguished by a conic, inciirvate bill ; head covered
with spongy caruncles, chin with a longitudinal membraneous ca-
runcle ; tail broad, expansile; legs spurred. They are as follow :

The Gallipavo, or Common-Turkey, is above three feet and
a half long ; domesticated every where ; varies much in its co-
lours; its most predominant is black, mixed with shades of white;
caruncles red. In its wild stale lives in woods, feeding on nuts,
acorns, and insects ; originally anative of America, where it is now
found in great plenty, as well as the West Indies, constituting a
great pari of the food of the natives, although never reduced by
them to a state of domestication : hunting the turkey is a sport
in which the savage delights. The cock makes occasionally a pe-
culiar noise, not easily described. In their wild state, turkeys are
much larger, more hardy and beautiful, than in captivity. The
male wild turkey found in the American woods is nearly four
feet long; the female three feet and a quarter. This bird, the
young of which are so tender with us, multiplies abundantly in
the large forests of Canada, which are a great part of the year
covered with snow. Eggs from ten to twenty -five; time of in-
cubation from twenty-six to twenty-nine or more days. The
common domesticated turkey is a sluggish, cowardly bird,
formidable in appearance only. A common game cock will at-
tack mauy at once, and, from his activity, frequently comes off
unhurt. This bird has an antipathy to red colours. The best
turkeys in this country are bred in Norfolk : in breeding, one
cock is sufficient for six hens. The hen will cover from nine to
fifteen eggs. She is a steady setter, and will sometimes continue
upon her eggs until almost starved ; hence she should be pro-
vided with food and water during her incubation. I cannot

THE COMMON THE HORNED TURKEY. 2^29

Though inspirer of fear, yet of cowardice son :
The fierce chanticleer is seen often to shun.

enter here into the domestic management of this, nor, indeed,
of any other bird ; but the reader who is desirous of ob-
taining information concerning the best method of rearing
domestic poultry, may consult my Family Cyclopedia, arti-
cles Hen, Turkey, Duck, Goose, &c. It is scarcely neces-
sary to add, that the turkey is excellent food. This bird was
introduced into England during the reign of Henry VIII. It
consists of several varieties, which are, very probably, increased
by continued domestication.

The Salyra, or Horned-Turkey, has the head with two
horns, callous, blue, bent back ; body red, with eye-like spots ;
caruncle of the chin dilatable, blue, varied with rufous. The
female has the head covered with feathers, is hornless and without
guiar caruncle; feathers of the head and upper part of the neck
black-blue, long, incumbent ; rest of the body as in the male ;
rather less than the preceding ; inhabits India.

The wild turkey cock is, in the American forests, an object of
considerable interest. It perches on the tops of the cypress
and magnolia ; and, in the months of March and April, at early
dawn, for an hour, or more, the forests ring with the crowing of
these American sentinels, the watch-word being caught and re-
peated from one to another for, Bartram says, hundreds of
miles round. Mr. Southey, in Madocj vol. i. page '265, thus
describes this occurrence :

**0n the top
Of yon magnolia the loud turkey's voice
Is heralding the dawn ; from tree to tree
Extends the wakening watch note far and wide,
Till the whole woodlands echo with the cry."

The wild turkey is said to be, in the American woods, a mi-
'gratory bird ; not, indeed, by the assistance of the wings, but
by walking.
I have lately seen the keel of the sternum of a turkey, that

230 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

In the Guinea-Hens (^^) harsh and monotonous strain,
" Go backy' was repeated again and again,

had a round groove or depression in it, produced, doubtless, by
the weight of the bird pressing it strongly on the perch.

(39) Order, Galling, (Liim.) Guinea-Hen, Gallina.

The genus Numida, {Linn*) or Guinea-Hen, consists of four
species, distinguished by a strong short bill, the base covered
with a carunculate cere receiving the nostrils ; head horned,
with a compressed coloured callus; tail short, bending down.
The following is the only one which it is necessary to notice :

The MeleagriSy Guinea-Hen, PintadOy Gallina, Galeny, or
Guinea-foicly has double caruncles at the gape, and is without
gular fold. The bill is of a reddish horn colour, head blue ; the
crown with a conic, compressed, bluish-red protuberance; upper
part of the neck bluish ash, almost naked ; lower part fea-
thered, verging to a violet blue; body blackish or greyish, with
round white spots ; legs grey brown. Two other varieties; one
with the breast white, the other having the body entirely wliite;
twenty-two inches long ; makes a harsh unpleasant cry, similar
to that mentioned in the text ; such sounds it often repeats ; it
is restless and turbulent, moving from place to place, and
domineering over the whole poultry yard. The male and female
much alike; the only difference is, that the wattles which are
blue in the former, are inclining to red in the latter ; there is
also some difference in the noise which the two sexes frequently
make. Eggs many, speckled reddish-brown, considerably
smaller than those of the common hen : if this bird be left to
itself, it will lay its eggs on the bare ground ; and Is generally
in this country a very unfit mother for its own offspring. See
the Introduction. Inhabits Africa and America, and is domes-
ticated every where. Flesh excellent.

This genus in many respects resembles the common poultry,
like them going in large flocks, and feeding its young by point-

THE PEACOCK — THE CRESTED PEACOCK. 231-

As a coronal now came the Peacock (*°) along,
Stalking proudly, but uttered no note fit for song.

ing out their food. In this country, however, these birds are
reared much better by the common hen than by their own spe-
cies. The chicken are so extremely sensible to cold, that ex-
posure to it on damp grass, or the ground, for a very short time,
often proves fatal to them.

(+^) Order, Galling, (Linn.) Peacock, tlie Crested, the
Iris, the Thibet, the Japan.

The genus Pavo, (Linn,) or Peacock, consists of seven
species, distinguished by a robust, convex bill ; head covered
with revolute feathers ; nostrils large ; feathers of the tail long,
broad, expansile, and covered with eye-like spots. The
chief are as follow :

The Cristatus, or Crested-Peacock, is the species most com- .
monly seen in this country ; it consists of three varieties : one
with a compressed crest, spurs solitary ; — another having the
cheeks, tbroat, belly, and wing coverts, white j — another with
the body entirely white. The plumage and tail of this magni*
ftcent bird are adorned with rich and various colours, but the
most predominant is green of many different shades. It came
originally from India, where it is found, it is said, in vast flocks;
but it is now seen in all the temperate regions of Europe, and
in almost every part of the new world, and also in Africa. It
arrives at maturity the third year. In this climate the female
lays only four or five eggs, but, in warmer regions, twelve, and,
it is said, sometimes double this number. The time of incuba-
tion is from twenty-seven to thirty days. It lives to the age of
twenty years, or more. One cock is sufficient for three or four
hens. They are granivorous, like other domestic fowls, pre-
ferring barley. The young only are esteemed good eating. It
is not, however, a veiy desirable bird for the poultry yard, it
being very troublesome and mischievous. The cry which it
utters is one of the most harsh and disagreeable that can be

232 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Thus assembled, the Monarch- commanded the
Owl, (*^)
To blow loud his trump to the nation of Fowl ; —
Not " hoo-hooj'** such as often is heard in the night.
When terror and fancy beget wild affright,
But a note such as never the owl blew before —
Over hill, over dale, went its echoing roar.

conceived. The origin of the white variety is not known, but
it is said that it continues white in every climate.
Lord Byron calls the peacock

"That royal bird whose tail's a diadem."
And Beattie thus describes it in the minstrel:
*' Though richest hues the peacock's plumes adorn,
Yet horror screams from his discordant throat/'

The BicalcaratuSf or Iris-Peacock, is brown ; bead sub-
crested ; spurs tico ; rather larger than the pheasant ; inhabits
China. The TliibetanuSy or Thibet-Peacock, isc inereous,
streaked with blackish ; head sub-crested ; spurs two ; twenty-
five and a half inches long; inhabits Thibet. The Muticus, or
Japan-Peacock, is blue mixed with green > head with a
subulate crest; spurless; size of the cristatus; inhabits Japan.

(**) Order, Accipitres, (^Linn.) Owl, the Great, the Long-
eared, the Tawny, the White, &c.

The genus Strix, (Linn.) or Owl, includes more than eighty
species, scattered over Europe, Asia, and America, about half
of which are eared aud half earless ; several are common in this
country: they have a hooked bill, cereless; the nostrils are
oblong, covered with bristly recumbent feathers; head, auricles
and eyes large; tongue bifid; legs downy; toes four, claws
hooked and very sharp pointed. They fly abroad mostly by

I

THE OWL — THE GREAT-EARED OWL. 233

What silence, what stillness, at once was impressed !
Even zephyr scarce wav'd the green trees' leafy vest.

The Falcon then thus: " It hath pleased the king,
This assembly to-day in his presence to bring ;
And wishing sincerely to all much delight.
We now to such sports as are pleasing invite."

night, preying on small birds, mice, and bats; sight, by day,
weak, when the eyes are generally closed ; at such times they
make short low flights, and may be, without much difficulty,
hunted down. At such time, too, the owl is often attacked and
insulted by birds which would not dare, at other times, to ap-
proach him. All the species are not distinguished by this sensi-
bility to light, some of them pursuing their prey daring the
day-time.

Owls do, however, for the most part, conceal themselves in
some dark retreat during the day ; the cavern, the rock, the
cavity of a decayed tree, or the holes of a ruinous and unfre-
quented castle, are their solitary abode, where

" They hoot from the hollow of their hallowed thrones,"

and by their harsh notes render the darkness and silence of the
night truly hideous and appalling. The weak and superstitious
have often foolishly imagined the noise of the screech owl a
presage of some great calamity ; but the good sense of mankind
is rapidly dispelling such idle fancies. Owls are^ beyond
question, a very useful tribe of birds. The following are the
chief:

The Bubu^ Great-Owl, Great-eared Owl, Eagle-Owl,
Great-horned Owl, has a tawny body ; in other varieties darker,
with blackish wings. The head is large ; the cavities of the
ears large and deep ; on each side of the head are two tufts of
feathers, resembling horns, two inches and a half long, which
the animal can erect or fold down at pleasure j breadth of the

234 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

The birds soon divided in groups as they chose ;
In the air soaring these, and in water swam those ;
To the wood some retir'd ; others flew up the dell,
Where a bubbhng clear fount over rocks dashing fell.
There was singing ^ the chief: there was billing and

cooing;
And many a coy one her lover came wooing.
There was diving, the Sheldrake's distinguished for

that,
While some Warbler's sweet notes admiration begat;

wings about five feet ; size, nearly as large as an eagle. Inha-
bits Europe, Kalmuc Taitary, and South America; occasionally
met with in this country. Chases hares, rabbits, moles, and
mice, which if swallows whole; but the hair, bones, and skin,
which resist the action of the siomach, it ejects in round
balls, similar to the eagle tribe, termed castings. Eggs two, said
to be larger than those ola hen ; they are mottled like the bird.

Wilson describes an owl under the term Virginiana, or
Great-Horjsed-Owl, which he supposes a variety of the pre-
ceding : {he male is twenty inches long, the female two feet; its
notes, IVavgh O! fVavgh O/ remains in America the whole
year.

The Otus, Long-eared Owl, Hom-Otcl, is a beautiful spe-
cies, in length fifteen inches ; the horns consist of six feathers
variegated with black; its general colour is an ochraceous
yellow. Varieties of this species found all over Europe and
America ; more common in this country than the preceding.

Tlie Stridula, Tawny-Owl, Common-Brown-Owl, Jry-Owl,
Black-Old, Aluco-Owl, Wood-Owl, or Screech-Owl, has the back,
head, and coverlets of the wings, a tine tawny red, elegantly
marked with black or dusky spots; fifteen inches long; inhabits
Europe, America, the West Indies, and this country, and is by
far the most plentiful of the owl tribe in England. Breeds in

THE TAWNY OWL — THE WHITE OWL. 235

To enjoy unrestrained of such day the delight,
From pleasure's clear stream each oft sipp'd where he

might.
What excited the smiles of the Aquiline King,
Was the noise made by some birds in efforts to sing.
The jetty black Raviln, now stretching his throat.
Did nothing but croak with a horrible note,
That of ill seem'd portentous, as down the deep delF,' '
In echoes heart-startliilg the wavy sound fell.

hollow trees, someiiriies in barns; eggs two or three, a dull
white. Said to be the only species known to hoot. (Movtagu.)
I think, however, this is doubtfnl.

" Heard ye the owl
Hoot to herniate responsive? 'Twas not she
AVhom floating on white pinions near his barn
The farmer views well pleas'd, and bids his boy
Forbear her nest ; bnt she who cloth'd in robe
Of unobtrusive br;)wn, regardless flits
Mouse-haunted cornstacks and the thresher's floor,
And prowls for plunder in the lonely wood."

Gisborne's Wulks in a Forest —Sumtner,

This owl is an excellent mousing bird ; but it will sometimes
destroy pigeons.

The Flaminea, White-Owl, Common-Barn Owl, Howlet,
Gillihoictery Madge- Hovcht, Church- Qui, Hissing- Owlj or
Screech'Owlf is about thirteen inches long; the plumage elegant;
body above pale yellow, with white dots; beneath whitish,
with blackish dots ; almost a domestic bird, inhabiting barns,
hay-lofts, and churches ; utters a kind of hissing, or harsh and
mournful cries, formerly believed in the country to be ominous.
Found in Europe, America, and this country. Feeds chiefly on
mice, which it swallows whole, ejecting afterwards the bones arid

236 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

The Cuckoo, as songster, would also essay ;

" Cuckoo, CuckoOj^' still " Cuckoo," was heard through

the day.
In impertinent boldness appear'd the Tomtit,-^
His notes little more than a chirp or a chit.
When laughter arose—" Give me sunflower seed,"
He cried, '' and I'll sing with the lark of the mead."
The saucy House-Sparrow affected a song ;
But dissonant noises to sparrows belong.

fur in large pellets similar to those of tbe Great-owl. Eggs four
or inore,whiti!ih. Breeds in old trees, or even barns. The young
wholly white, and the flesh then said to be good. Montagu in-
forms us that it never hoots ; I think this is a mistake.

*'The awaken'd owl

Majestic, slow, on sounding wing sails by,

And rous'd to active life, enjoys the hour

That gives his winking eye-lids leave to rest,

While bright his eye, dim in day's dazzling light,

Now into distance shoots its beams, and guides

The unweildy spoiler to his creeping prey,

Which having seized, again on murmuring wing

He cleaves the tranquil air, and to his nest

Proudly bears home the feast he toil'd to gain ;

Then from the bosom of some thick wove tree,

Breathes in dull note his votive strain to night,

Friend of his daring, season of his joy."

IMrs. O PIE'S Evening Walk at Cromer.
Anthology, vol. ii.

The BrachyotoSfSHORT-EAREii Owl, Mouse-Hawk, Woodcock-
Owl, or Hawk-Owl, is about fifteen inches long ; it is distin-
guished from the rest of the tribe by the smallness of its head ;
on the top of the head above each eye is a tuft of feathers.

I

THE lITTLE OWL — THE COQU1M60 OWL. 237

Ducks quak'd, Ganders hiss'd, and Geese cackled aloud ;
Many Rooks, and some Crows, too, were heard 'midst

the crowd.
The Peacock, too, scream'd — his harsh notes ever

shock; —
Of his crowing, seem'dwondrously proud, too, the Cock.
The Dove's gentle cooing was heard in the wood ;
The Daw was desirous to sing if he could.
" Chink, Chink, '^ cried the Chaffinch ; the Owl gave

a shriek;
And the Jay and the Magpie attempted to speak.

uliich it can erect at pleasure ; the neck, back, and scapulars,
are dusky, bordered with ferruginous, breast and belly whitish,
streaked with dusky. Arrives in this country in October, and
departs in March; hence, from its arriving at the same time as
the Woodcock, one of its names. Supposed to breed in the
Orkneys, Norway, and Hudson's Bay. It never perches on
trees in this country, but hides itself in long grass or fern.

The Scops, or Little-horn ED Owl, and the Pusserina, or Lit-
tle-Owl, may also be mentioned ; the last h an elegant bird,
the smallest of the tribe found in England ; size of a blackbird ;
the head and upper parts are brown, tinged with olive ; the
former, and wing coverts, spotted with white.

The foreign birds of this tribe are numerous, and of various
sizes. I cannot enumerate them. There is, however, in the
northern latitudes, a species common to the old and new world,
called the Nyctea by most ornithologists, which equals in size
the largest of the tribe, being two feet long, and having beau-
tiful plumage.

The Cunicularia or CoQviMiiO Owl, is found in Chili; and
is said to dig holes in the ground for a nest for its young, and
for its own habitation.

There is also a similar owl called the Burrowing-Owl,
found in various parts of the North American continent. In

238 BRITISH AUD EUROPEAN BIRDS,

'Midst this babel, the Monarch, extending his wing,
Commanded the Warblers in sequence to sing.
In a moment was silence ; the restless were still ;
At distance was heard, in sweet murmurs, the rill.
The Redbreast looked pleas'd, and began with a
twittering;
That excited of Folly an insolent tittering.
But he soon became silent as thus o'er the soul,
The warbler's soft notes with much melody stole.

the trans-Mississipian territories this owl resides exclusively in
the burrows of the Marmot or Pairie dog; whether at tlie same
time and in tlie same burrow with the said dog we are not ex-
actly informed ; although in other districts, as in St. Domingo,
it digs itself a burrow two feet deep, in which the functions of
niditication, &c. are performed. Its food is said to be insects ;
it flies about by day ; its notes are cheh, cheh^ repeated several
times in rapid succession. Length nine inches and half j extent
two feet. Bill horn colour, the lower mandible strongly notched ;
iris bright yellow; the capistrum before the eyes terminates in
black rigid bristles as long as the bill. General colour of the plu-
mage a light burnt-umber, spotted with a whitish tinge; beneath
whitish; inferior tail coverts are immaculate white; eggs two,
white, size of the dove's. See a continuation of Wilson's Ame-
rican Ornithology by Prince Charles Buonaparte.

Those who like tales abounding in the horrible, will find one
to their taste in Blackwood's Magazine for July, 1826, entitled
the Owl : the following are the first four lines of it :
'' There sat au owl in an old oak tree,
Whooping very merrily ;
He was considering, as well he might.
Ways and means for a supper to-night."

I particularly advise those to read it who may not be quite
convinced of the impropriety of cruelty to animals.

239

THE REDBREAST'S SONG.

Motacilla Ruhecula,—'ListiJS.\Js.
Sylvia Rubecula.—h\.THXM.

'^Little bird with bosom red,
Welcome to my humble shed !
Courtly domes of high degree,
Have no room for thee and me ;
Pride and pleasure's fickle throng,
Nothing mind an idle song."

- Langhornb.

I

240

THE REDBREAST'S SONG.

Come listen unto me, love,

Beside the eglantine ;
Or listen unto me, love.

Beneath the shady pine.

I wish not far to roam, love,

Delighted to entwine,
In some sweet rosy, bower, love,

Thy gentle arms with mine.

I wish afar from noise, love,
From fraud and strife malign,

With theCy in peace, to dwell, love
That wish is surely thine I

I like a quiet home, love.
Where I, and all that's mine,

In one encircling band move,
With thee and all that's thine.

THE WARBLER — THE REDBREAST.

241

I love to look around, love,
On cherubs that are mine, —

And oh ! how sweet the thought, love,
Those cherubs too are thine !

I like a quiet spot, love.

Where all such things combine
To make us truly blest, love, —

A home almost divine, i'^^)

(+^) Order, PASSERES, (Linn. )WARELER,REDBREAS'f,WREN,

Golden-Crested-Wren, Yellow-Wren, Petty-Chaps,
Redstart, Wheat-eau, Wagtail, White-Throat, &c.

The genus Motacilla, (Linn.) or Warbler, to which the
Redbreast, Motacilla RvbeculUf belongs, comprehends nearly
three hundred species scattered over the globe ; a very great
, number of which are natives of Europe, and many of them of
our own country ; their characteristics are a weak, slender
bill ; nostrils small ; tongue cloven ; toes, the extreme one joined
at the under part to the middle one at the base. The follow-
ing are Ihe chief:

The Rubecula, Red-rreast, Robin, Robin-redbreast, Robin-
Riddickf Ruddock, or Robinet,* is too well known to need de-
scription. There are three varieties; the common grey, with
throat and breast ferrujiinous ; the second entirely white ; the
third with chin while, wing coverts and feathers variegated. It
is remarkable that this bird, which remains, even in North Bri-
<
* ** The nightingale of birds most choice.
To do her best shall strain her voice ;
A dd to this bird, to make a set,
T4ie mavis, merle, and robinet."

Dravton, Muses Elysium,
Nympliitl, viii.

M

242 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

tain, all the year round, as well as generally throiighoat Eng-
land, should migrate from France during the winter months,
which it is said to do. It appears in this country to be par-
ticularly fond, during the winter season, of the habitations of
man ; its note is well-known, and its society always agreeable ;
M it sings at almost every season of the year, extremely cold wea
ther excepted.

" The Redbreast swells.
In the slow-fading wood, his little ihroat
Alone: for other birds have dropp'd their note."

It builds in dry banks, beneath tufts of grass j the nest is
composed of dead leaves, green moss, and stalks of plants ; it
is lined with hair. It lays generally five, sometimes more,
whitish ejrgs, with rusty spots. It is found over the whole of
Europe, from Norway and Sweden to the Mediterranean.

A redbreast, some years since, frequently perched on one of
the pinnacles of the organ in the cathedral at Bristol, and
joined the music with its warbling effusions, it is said, for fifteen
years successively, till I7a7. Some lines on this extraordinary
fact have been long since published ; they were written by the
Rev. Samuel Love, m.a. one of the minor canons, and are
well deserving of perusal ; I am sorry that I have not room for
them.

In very severe weather, a redbreast, many years ago, entered
my parlour in Somersetshire, took its station over the window,
where some food was placed for it ; it remained there about a
week, and when the weather became more mild it tiew away.

The Troglodytes, Wren, Common- H'renj Cutty, Lady's-Hen,*
Cutty-fVreny or fVran, has the whole plumage transversely barred
with undulating lines of brown and black ; on the belly and lower

* Lady's-Hen. My authority for this name is Drayton :
" The hedge-sparrow and her compeer the wren,
Which simple people call our lady's-hen."

Owl.

THE WREN. 243

parts it inclines to grey. The tail of this bird is not, as is com-
monly the case with most other birds, in a straight line with the
back, but it rises considerably upwards, so that one of its distin-
guishing characteristics is a cocked tail. It is one of the smallest of
our native birds, being less than four inches in length; it inhabits
England and Europe at large; it is found also in Asia ; it remains
in this country throughout every season. Builds a curious nest,
for an account of which see the Introduction ; it may, however,
be added here, that such is the instinctive providence of this
bird, its nest is generally adapted to the place against or under
which it is made ; thus, although its usual structure is green-
moss, yet, if it build against the side of a hay-rick, it is composed
of hay ; if against a tree covered with white moss, it is made of
that material ; this is not, however, anincariable habit : for I have
known a wren's nest constructed of green moss at the edge of
the thatch of a house, the colour of which was very different
from the nest itself: something, doubtless, depends upon the
ease or difficulty with which materials can be obtained. Montagu
says that the lining is invariably feathers; this is not, I think,
correct; I believe when made with gr^cn moss, its lining is,
generally, of the same material. Eggs six, eight, or more,
whitish, with rusty spots. Feeds on insects. Sings the greater
part of the year. It has, besides, a peculiar note, which it often
repeats in the spring, similar to chitf chit, chit.
The following lines were written many years since.

TO A WREN',

tVhichyfor many years, built her nesl behind an ash tree that overhung
my garden.

Little Warbler ! long hast thou
Perch'd beneath yon spreading bough; —
Snug, beneath yon ivied tree,
Thy mossy nest I yearly see,
Safe from all thy peace annoys —
Claws of cats or cruel boys.

M 2

244 BRITISH AND EUKOPEAN BIRDS.

We often hear thy chit, ehitf song

Call thy tiny brood along,

While, in her nest, or on a spray,

Tije throstle charms us with her lay !

Little warbler ! chearfiil wren !

The springtime's come and thou again.

Little warbler ! thou, like me,

Delight'st in home and harmless glee.

What of peace is to be found.

Circles all thy dwelling round ;
^ Here, with love beneath the shade,

Thy tranquil happiness is made;

With thy tiny, faithful mate,

Here meet'st resign'd the frowns of fate,
( While prouder birds fly high or far.

Or mix them in the strife of war,

Or restless all the world through range,
I. And, restless, still, delight in change,

Thou mak'st thy home a place of rest,

Affection, love, and that is best !

Then welcome, welcome, faithful wren !

Thrice welcome to thy home again!

Huntspill, Somerset ; March 1810.

I believe it may be stated with truth that scarcely a year
passed from my earliest infancy in which a wren's nest was not to
be found behind the tree alluded to above; and if it be still
standing may, I dare say, be found there now. The redbreast
has been also a very common inhabitant of the banks near.

As I always discouraged my own children in the practice of
robbing birds' nests, my garden became a sort of sanctuary for
the Goldfinch, the Chaffinch, the Thrush, &c. The goldfinch in
particular, became a denizen of it ; the garden was by no means
a secluded one, being close to a public road ; but the birds
soon found tlieir security in it: the young goldfinches were de-
stroyed occasionally by cats : this I could not prevent. Candour^

THE GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN. 245

)
however, compels me to state that, with all my disposition for
indulgence to birds, I found the huuse-sparroiv a very troublesome
guest in the garden, and was obliged to prevent its becoming an
inhabitant of ray house and offices, by giving it no opportunity or
place for building its nest. A rookery (see ray poem, the Rook-
ery, in the Somerset dialect,) was also a short distance from it.
This bird and the redbreast are supposed in Somersetshire
to be great destroyers of spiders : indeed, the following saying
i3 very common there : if it were not for tlie Robin-Riddick and the
Cutty'lVranj a spider would overcome a man.

The Regulus, Golden-Wren, Golden-crested Wren,
Wood-Titmouse, or Tidley-Goldfinchf is generally considered the
smallest of British birds. The crown of the head is singularly
beautiful ; the crest is composed of a double series of feathers
arising from each side,and almost meeting at tlieir points; the exte-
rior are black ; the interior bright yellow ; between which on the
crown, the feathers are shorter and of a fine deep orange ; the
hind head, neck, and back, green; beneath, brownish white, on
the belly tinged with yellow. Nest similar to that of the
chaffinch, but lined with feathers; sometimes placed asjainst a
tree covered with ivy, but most commonly beneath the thick
branch of a fir. Eggs from seven to ten, brownish white. This
bird braves our severest winters, and is by no means so scarce
as it appears, but from itssraallness is seldom noticed. Pennant
says it is found principally on oak trees.

" Aloft in mazy course the Golden- fVren
Sports on the boughs; she who her slender form
Vaunting, and radiant crest, half dares to vie
With those gay wanderers,* whose effulgent wings
With insect hum still flutter o'er the pride
Of Indian gardens."

Gisborne's Walks in a Forest — Autumn.

Humming Birds. See note (3), Part II.

246 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Besides tliese wrens, the following are also inhabitants of this
country: the Arundinacea, Reed-Wren, or Lesser-Reed- Sparrow ,
is^a migratory bird, appearing in this country the latter end of
April, and leaving it in September. It builds in reeds, generally,
over water. The Sylvicola, Wood-Wren, or Green- fVren,
prefers oak and beecii woods ; it is also a migratory bird, ar-
riving in and quitting this country about the same time as the
preceding. The Trochilus, Yellow-Wren, Seotch-H^ren, fVil-
low-IVren, Ground- fVren, or Ground-Huckmuck, is plentiful in
woody places, especially among willows. Nest oval, with a
small opening near the top, composed of moss and dried grass,
and lined with feathers; eggs six or seven, with rusty spots.
The plumage of this bird is very similar to the Lesser Pettj chaps.
It sings prettily: see Mr. Sweet's letter in the Introduction.

The Hortensis, Greater-Pettychaps, or Pettychaps, is
above light brown, inclining to olive; beneath dirty white;
length six inches. Arrives in this country the latter end of
April; its song little inferior to that of the nightingale. Eggs
four, dirty white, blotched with brown. The Hippolais, Lesser
Pettychaps, Hay-birdf or Beam-bird, is smaller than the yellow
wren, length rather more than four inches and half; in plumage
it very much resembles that bird, but is not so much tinged
with yellow. It is a migratory bird, appearing in this country
early, on or before the first of April : its notes consist of two
only, chipy chop, frequently repeated. Nest oval, with a small
hole near the top : it is placed on or near the ground. Found
in all parts of the kingdom : does not leave it till October.

The Phcenicurus, Redstart, Redsteert, Redtail, or Brantail,
is less than the redbreast, but longer and more slender ; has
the head, the hind part of the neck, and the back, of a deep
shining grey ; on the fore part of the neck a large black patch ;
the breast, beneath the patch, an igneous red, growing more
faint towards the flanks and belly, which are white. Three va-
rieties. Builds in old walls or rotten trees; eggs five or six,
light blue. Arrives in this country in April, quits it in Septem-

THE WHEAT-EAR — THE WAGTAIL. 247

ber. It frequents uninhabited houses and solitary places, in
which it utters its plaintive notes. The female of this species
sometimes sings. See Mr. Sweet's letter in the Introduction.

The (Enanthcj Wheat-ear, Fallow-Finchy Fallow- Smich,
White-taUi Snorter^ or English-Ortolan^ is distinguished by its
hoary back, rump and base of the tail white ; length six inches
and half. The distribution of its colours varies so as to produce
several varieties. Found as far north as Greenland, and as far
east as India. Visits England in March, and leaves us in Sep-
tember. Frequents heaths and warrens ; breeds in rabbit bur-
^ rows and under stones ; eggs from five to eight, pale blue.
They grow very fat, and are caught in great numbers in some
of our southern countries previously to their departure; many
are sent to London : when potted by the poulterers, are as much
esteemed as ortolans on the continent. This bird sings very
prettily.

The Albdj Wagtail, White-Wagtail, Collared Wagtail,
IVater. Wagtail, Dish-tcasheryWash- Disk, Washerwoman, or Bilhj-
2i2^£r, inhabits England and Europe generally ; its predominating
colours deep blue, and white; length about seven inches; remains
in this country throughout the year, but migrates, nevertheless,
from one place to another ; it builds in various situations; in a
heap of stones, in a hole in the wall, or on the top of a pollard
tree; eggs four or five, spotted with brown. Three varieties.
Sings very prettily in the spring. Characterised, as its name
imports, by often wagging its tail, particularly when it drinks.

The tribe Wagtail includes twenty or more species of this
genus, distinguished into •pied, cinereous, green, water-wagtail,
6ic.', or into Indian, African, &c. from their native habitations.
Two other wagtails found in this country should also be named.
The Buarula, Grey-Wagtail, or Winter. Wagtail, a very ele-
gant species, is above dark cinereous, rump greenish yellow,
beneath yellow of various shades ; its plumage varies in the
spring. Visits this country the end of September, and quits it
in April. It is seven inches and three quarters long. The

1

248 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Flava, Yellow-Wagtail, Springy or Summer-Wagtail^ is in
leugth six and a half inches; the distinguishing and predomi-
nating colour of this bird is yellow, mixed in the upper parts
with olive green of different shades. It visits us about the time
that the Winter- Wagtail departs, and quits this country in Sep-
tember.

I can only mention the following warblers known in this
country: the Dartfordiensis^ or Dartford-Warbler; — the
Salicaria, Sedge-Warbler, Willow-Lark, Sedge-Bird, Sedge-
Wren, or Lesser-Reed-SpuiTow ; — the S'j//»ia, White-throat, or
Nctlle Creeper, is a very common species, visiting all parts of the
kingdom about the middle of April; enlivens our hedges with
its song.— See Mr. Sweet's letter in the Introduction. The
Sylviella, or Lesser White-throat, visits also this country at
the same time as the last ; but it is smaller than that bird.
The Rubetra, Whin-chat, or Furze-chat, is migratory in this
country : inhabits Europe, Asia, and Africa. Three or four
varieties : found chiefly among furze, as its name imports.
The Ruhicola, Stone-chat, Stone-chatter, Stone-Smieh, Moor-
Tilling, Stone-Smith, or Blacky-top, is found in this country
during the whole year. Sings prettily in the spring. Habits
the same as the whin-chat. Length five inches and a quarter.

The Ncuvia, or Fig-Eater, inhabits Italy 3 feeds on figs and
grapes, whence its specific name.

For an account of other bir<ls belonging to this genus, see the
note on the Nightingale; the Hedge- Sparrow's Complaint ; the
Blackcap's Song: for the Warblers of foreign countries, see
the note on that tribe in tl>e second part; see also, in the same
part, a note on the Taylor-bhd.

The Wagtails, in Dr. Latham's arrangement, are made a se-
parate genus under the term Motacilla, with 25 species ; the
Warblers another, under the term Sylvia, with '298 species.

The Lark in a flutter uprose with a bound ;
His measure disposed you to dance to the sound.

249

THE SKY-LARK'S SONG.

Alauda Arvensis.-^'Li^^JBMS,

" From the green waving corn,
The Lark spreads his wings,
And hails as he sings
The fresh glow of the morn."

To BIN.

He who'd live a happy life,

Let him live as we ;
We defy both care and strife —

Are from sorrow free.

We with early dawn arise.

Health awaits our way ;
Up we mount the radiant skies

To greet the king of day.

Mirth with sparkling eye and Glee,

Listen while we sing ;
Pleasure, too, and Gaiety,

Welcome now the spring.

Love too listens to our song ;

Exquisite delight!
Zephyrs bear the notes along,

O'er yon meadows bright.

m3

250 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Come, ye sons of sprightliness !

Join our jocund throng ;
These the pleasures we possess ; —

Come ye — come along !

He who'd live a happy life,

Let him live as we ;
We defy both care and strife —

Are from sorrow free. (*^)

(^^3) Order, Passeres, (Liww.) Sky-Lark.

The Alauda Arvensis, Lark, Sky-Lark, Mounting-Lark,
Common- Field-Lark, or Laverock, inhabits Europe, Asia, and
Africa; feeds on fruit and insects,; sings sweetly, soaring in a
perpendicular direction in the air, and increasing the volume of
its note, as it ascends, frequently, so high as to be scarcely vi-
sible. It assembles in vast flocks in winter, when it is found,
very commonly, in stubble fields, more rarely in meadows or
pastures, at whicli time it becomes very fat. It builds on the
ground, either in tufts of grass or amidst growing corn ; lays four
or five greenish-white eggs, with dusky confluent spots. This
and the woodlark said to be the only birds which sing as they
fly; but this, like many other sayings, is most probably incorrect.
Body is above varied with blackish, reddish grey, and whitish ;
beneath reddish white ; bill and legs black ; throat spotted
with black; can erect the feathers on the hind head like a crest.
Four or five varieties. Length seven inches. Flesh good.
The song of the sky-lark has considerable sprightliness in it : see
the Introduction, page 69. Pope thus characterises it :
" Is it for thee the lark ascends and sings?
Joy tunes his voice, joy elevates his wings."

Essay on Man, Epistle iii.

The lark sings during a much greater portion of the year than
most birds ; and it is also believed that the female of this species
sings as well as the male; yet the fact does not seem with cer-
tainty known.

W-

251

THE GOLDFINCH'S SONG.

Fringilla Carduelis. — Linn^us.

'' The Goldfinch, he,
Whose plumage with the tropic warbler's vies ; —
Whose note — exultant chearfnlness itself;—
Whose downy dome rivals a Trochilid's
In beauty."

From an unpublished Poem.

I've a snug little nest

111 a little elm tree ;
This nest I am sure

You'll be pleas'd when you see ;

It is made with much care,
And is lined so throughout —

It is neatness itself

Both within and without.

But a dear little mate,

She with whom I am blest,

Is the neatest of all things
In this little nest.

Should you pass by in May,
When our little ones come,

Look in, and you'll find
We've a snug little home.

252 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

No home like that home,
Where two bosoms impart

Their finest of sympathies
Warm from the heart ;

Where friendship with love

Is perpetual guest ;
And affection's smooth pillow

A soft heaving breast. C^*)

('**) Order, Passerf.s, (Linn.) Finch, Goldfinch, Chaf-
finch, Bra.mbling, Kedpolf, &c.

The genus Fringilla, (Litm.) or Finch, to which the
Goldfinch, Fringilla CardueliSj belongs, consists of about one
hundred and fifty species, distributed over the globe, several of
which are found in our own country ; they are distinguished by
a conic bill ; tongue truncated j toes three forwards, one back-
ward. The following are the chief:

The Carduelis, Goldfinch, Thistle-Finch, or Jacknicker, is
too well known to need description. Nine varieties ; inha-
biting Europe, Asia, Africa, and this country. Sings exqui-
sitely, and is very docile j frequents gardens and orchards, and
feeds on various seeds; in the winter assembles together in
numbers, feeding at such times on thistle seeds, hence its
specific name carduelis ; builds in apple, pear, elm, and some
evergreen trees; nest very neat, (see the Introduction.) Eggs
five, white with brown spots. It regularly breeds with the
canary-bird, the produce, a mule, termed Canary-Goldfinch,
The young of the goldfinch before the crimson on the head ap-
pears, is called by the bird-catchers grey-pate.

Of the CoelebSf Chaffinch, Beech-finch, Horse-finch, Pied-
finch, Pink, or Twink, there are six varieties, the principal
of which is distinguished by the peculiar sound of chink, chink,

CHAFFINCH — SISKIN — REDPOLE. 253

or pink, pinky which it often makes ; it has, also, it is said, a
song, although a trifling one. It is larger than the goldfinch^
and, though having a great variety of colours, is hy no means so
handsome as that bird ; it builds a neat nest, (see the Introduc-
tion,) and lays five dirty-white eggs, spotted with brown. In-
habits almost every where in this country, Europe, and Africa.
It is said, however, that the males are migratory, frequently
leaving the feniales in the winter even in this country.

Of the Montifringillaj Brambling, Mountain-Finch, or K(Ue,
there are three varieties; inhabits Europe and Siberia; one
variety, Asia; frequently seen in this country in the winter,
but not supposed to breed here. It is about six inches long ;
the upper parts are ash-coloured, beneath whitish ; the throat,
breast, and upper coverts of the wings ferruginous orange.
Eggs yellowish, spotted.

The 5pi«MS, Siskin, or ^ierdmnc, has the quill feathers yellow
in the middle, the first four without spots ; tail feathers yellow
at the base and tipt with black ; four and three quarter inches
long. Three other varieties. Inhabits our own country and
Europe generally. Feeds on various seeds, easily tamed, and
sings moderately. The Cannahina, Greater Red-Pole, Red-
Pole, or Greater- Red-headed-Linnetf has the body above chesnut-
brown, beneath reddish-white, bottom of the breast blood-red
in the male, in the female dirty-brown ; five and a half inches
long. Sings prettily. Inhabits Europe, America, and this
country. Gregarious in the winter. Eggs five, bluish white,
witli purplish specks; makes its nest among furze. See the
Linnet's Song. The Linaria, Lesser- Red-headed- Linnet,
Redpole, or Stone-Redpole, is much smaller than the last; often
found in this country. T\\t Montium, Mountain-Linnet, or
TivitCjis black varied with reddish, beneath whitish; rump red.
Inhabits Europe and this country; has no song, but merely
twitters.

The Xanthorea is dusky, rump yellow; primaries edged with
green ; tail tipped with white ; length four inches and half.

254 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Inhabits Rio Janeiro. The bird from v^hich this description
was taken was tame, and sang like a canary ; and, like other
antarctic birds, sang most in the winter. See the Journal of the
Acad, of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, vol. iv. part 2, in the
papers, by Prince Charles Bonaparte.

For the Linota, or Linnet, see the Linnet's Song ; for
the Canaria, or Canary-Bird, see the Canary-Bird's
Song 5 for the Domestical or House-sparrow, see the House-
Sparrow's Speech.

The Thrush, closely shrouded some ivy among
That crept up an elm, was rehearsing her song,
In a soft under-tone, and in murmurs most sweet ;
(Such warblings who lives that can catch and repeat?)
Now more loud rose the notes thus the air they

impress'd,
As the songstress still sat in her ivy-hung nest.

'^5

THE THRUSH'S SONG.

Turdtts Mvsicus.—LivsJEVS.

**The Home of Love is where the heart
Is never found repining."

256

THE THRUSH'S SONG.

The home of love is where the heart

Is never found repining;
The home of love is where we part,

In pain some bliss combining ;

That bliss, the child of ardent hope,
Persuading that to-morrow

We shall, with rapture, meet again ; —
No room have we for sorrow.

The home of love is that on which
Our thoughts, when absent centre ;

And which, when we behold again,
Delighting we re-enter.

The home of love is that where dwell
Two hearts of pure affection ;

Whose mutual throbbings ever tend
To dissipate dejection.

The home of love is that where dwell
Hearts kind, sincere, indulgent ;

Where dwells besides for all the world
Benevolence effulgent.

THE THRUSH. 257

Then, hallowed be this ivied bower,

This home of love endearing,
Where mutual wishes sink to rest,

With thoughts for ever cheering. {^^)

(+5) Order, Passeres, {Linn.) Thrush, Missel-Thrush,
Fieldfare, Ring-Ouzel, &;c.

The genus -TuRDus, (Linn.) or Thrush, now comprehends
above two hundred and thirty species, scattered over the globe;
the number described by Linnaeus was only twenty-eight.
Several are inhabitants of this country. Many of the tribe sing
exquisitely, among which may be named, the Missel, the
Throstle, or Song-Thrush, the Redwing, the Blackbird, and a
vast crowd of foreign birds, including the Mocking-Bird, They
are distinguished by having the outer toe connected with the
middle membrane, as far as the first joint ; the bill is denticu-
lated towards the point ; they are generally subject to a va-
riation of colour at different seasons of the year. They are
baccivorous, but they also eat insects, worms, and snails ; none
of them feeds on grain. The following are the chief:

The Musicus, Song-Thrush, Thrush, Throstle, Dirsh, or
Mavis,* has the head, back, and upper coverts of the wings
deep olive-brown j throat mottled with brown and white ; belly
and breast pale yellow, with large black spots ; nine inches
long. Inhabits the woods of Europe, generally, and frequent
in this country. Builds in a low bush, or in an ivied tree ; (for
a description of the nest see the Introduction.) Eggs five, pale--
blue, with blackish spots. In France said to be migratory, in
England remains all the year. Remarkably prolific, producing
sometimes three different families in a season. Of all the tribes,
the Mocking-Bird, perhaps, excepted, this is the most accom-
plished singer ; and it sings also at almost every season of the
year. There are several varieties in Europe ; three or four in

k America. This, and indeed the whole tribe, are very useful
i

* ** So doth the cuckoo when the mavis slugs."

SPENCfc.It, Sonnet Ixxxv,

258 BRITISH AND EUROPEAM BIRDS.

birds in the destruction of snails and other injurious anima]s,they
should, therefore, never be destroyed. — See the Introduction.

The ViscivoruSy Missel, Missel-Thrush, Missel-Bird^ Mis-
seltoe-Thrushy Skreechy Home-Screech, Skreech-Thrush, Throstle-
Cock, Holm-Thrush, or Stormcock, is peculiarly distinguished as
being the largest British bird which has any harmony in its
voice; it is in length eleven inches ; back and upper parts light-
brown ; neck white, spotted with brown ; beneath whitish; bill
dusky. Builds its nest generally in the fork of some tree; very
often the apple-tree. Eggs four or five, flesh colour, with rusty
spots. This is rather a scarce bird in England ; I have seen it
and its nest, occasionally, in Somersetshire, but I know nothing
of its song. It is said, indeed, that it is much louder than, and,
by some, esteemed superior to that of the song thrush. That it
begins to sing in January, ^nd continues singing, more or less,
till the female has hatched its young, when it is heard no more
till the beginning of the new year. If, however, the young be
taken, its song continues as before ; and if the female be de-
stroyed, it continues in song the whole summer. This experi-
ment, Montagu informs us, he tried upon this and several other
song birds, and always found it invariable. Feeds upon holly,
misseltoe berries, whence its name, and insects. It generally
sings from the summit of a tree ; it is said also to sing before
rain and during a storm ; hence its name Stormcock.

Tiie Pilaris, Fieldfare, Fieldefare, Feldefare, Vcekure, or Pi-
geon-Fiel^are, is ten inches long ; back and lesser wing coverts
chcsnut-brown ; neck, breast, and sides, yellowish, streaked
with dusky ; throat and beneath white ; tail dusky-black.
Three or four other varieties. This is a migratory bird, visiting
this country in flocks in October, and quitting it in April.
Feeds here on the fruit of the hawthorn, worms, and insects.
Their summer residence said to be Syria, Siberia, and the
neighbouring districts. The numbers and appearance of this
bird in England seem to be determined by the rigour of the
weather; while they are seen here, the inhabitants of the country
consider that the severity of the winter is not yet past.

p

I

THE RING THE CARNATION -OUZEL. 259

This bird has given rise to an expression, found occasionally
in our old writers, and also at the present time in the West :
"The harm is done j and farwelfeld^fare."

Chaucer, Troilus and Cressida, Book ii.
That is, the season is over; the occasion is past; the bird is flown.

*' Ye strangers, banished from your native glades,
I Where tyrant frost with famine leagu'd proclaims

' Who lingers diesj' with many a risk ye win
The privilege to breathe our softer air
And glean our sylvan berries."

GiSEORN E's JValks in a Forest — Autumn.
The Tor^ua/ws, Ring-Ouzel, Amsel, Rockov Mountain Ouzels
Michaelmas- Blackbird^ or Tor-Ouzel, is eleven inches long ; the ge-
neral plumage black, beueatii greyish ; collar white. One or
two other varieties. Rather a scarce bird in this country. It
is also found in many parts of Europe, A^ia, and Africa. The
Ring-ouzel is a migratory bird ; said to breed in Scotland, Wales,
and some parts of the West of England. Nest generally on the
ground under some bush, which, and theeggs, are similar to the
blackbird's.

" Joyously
From stone to stone, the Ouzel flits along.
Startling the linnet from the hawthorn bough;
While on the elm-tree, overshadowing deep
The low-roofed cottage white, the Blackbird sits
Cheerily hymning the awakened year."

'*' Tbe above lines are from Blackwood's Magazine , for March,
1822, with the signature of A- I take the present opportunity
of expressing the pleasure which I have often felt on the pe-
rusal of the many truly poetical productions of this amiable yet
anonymous writer which have, from time, to time appeared in
that magazine.

The Roseus, Rose-coloured Thrush, Ouzel, or Carnation-
Ouzeij is the most beautiful of the species, and occasionally seen
in this country ; it is rather less than the blackbird, being in
length hardly eight inches. The head, which is crested, neck,

260 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

wings, and tail, are black, glossed with blue, purple, and green ;
back, rump, breast, belly, and lesser wing coverts, pale rose-
colour, with a few irregular spots. It varies considerably in its
roseate shades. More frequent in France j and found also in
many other parts of Europe, and also in Asia ; visits, it is said,
Aleppo, in pursuit of locusts, and thence called the Locust-bird ;
it is held sacred by the Turks; it is also found in South
Russia and Siberia, where it is said to breed.

The CuTfcus is the size of the Missel, sings finely, and imitates
the notes of other birds; when tame, the voice of man. Inha-
bits Chili. The Tinniensy or Alarm-Thrush, is above brown,
beneath white, breast spotted with black; six and a half inches
long ; inhabits Cayenne ; cries every morning and evening for
half an hour with a harsh loud voice, like an alarum bell.
The Arundinaceus, or Reed-Thrush, is rusty brown, beneath
white-testaceous ; quili feathers brown, tipt with reddish :
three other varieties. Inhabits the reedy marshes of Europe ;
builds a hanging nest among reeds ; eggs five or six, yellowish-
white, spotted with brown. The male sings while the hen is
sitting; seven inches long.

The IliacuSf Redwing, Sivine-pipCf fVind-Thrushf JVindle-
Thrushy fVhinnle-Tlirush, or Dirsh, is eight and a half inches
long ; similar in its general colours to the song-thrush, but
having the body, under the wings, and under wing coverts,
reddish-orange. This bird is migratory, arriving in flocks in
this countfy in September, and leaving it in the spring. Breed?,
it is said, in Norway and Sweden, and is also said to sing in the
breeding season equal to the song-thrugh of this country ; nest in
a low bush ; eggs six, blue-green, spotted with black. Flesh good.

The Mindanensis is the most pleasant singing bird of the
island of Java ; its song is, at once, diversified and agreeable.

HORSFIELD.

For a description of the Blackbird, see the Blackbird's
Song; for that of the Mocking-Bird, see Part II.; for
the Red-breasted Thrush, and the Wood-thrush, see
also Part II.

261

THE LINNET'S SONG.

Fringilla Linota. — Li n NiEUs .

*'The lovely linnet now her song
Tunes sweetest in the wood."

Shenstone.

Where dwell pleasures worth possessing?

In yon cot beside the hill ! —
Where content, purer love caressing,

Wanders by the crystal rill ;

Where affection, strong and fervent.

Opes the door to calm delight;
And where hope, a faithful servant,

Fans the flame of promise bright ;

Where domestic peace resideth ;

Where, beneath the humble dome,
Wisdom's self for aye abideth,

There hath Happiness her Home.

262 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

There dwell pleasures worth possessing,

In yon cot beside the hill.
Where content, pure love caressing.

Listens to the crystal rill. (*^)

(*^) The Fringilla Linota, Linnet, Common-Linnet, or
Bromi- Linnet, sometime* called also, I believe, Grey-Linnet, is
chesniit-brown, beneath whitish ; bottom of the breast blood-red
in the male, in the female streaked with brown. Size of the
Greater- Redpole. Eggs five, whitish, with chesnut spots ; sings
delightfully. It appears that, from occasional variations in its
colours, this bird is often confounded with the Greater-Redpole ;
indeed, Montagu asserts, that both this and the Redpole are.
one and the same species. See the description of the Redpole
in note 44.

For a description of the Green-Linnet, Loxia Chloris,
see page 1 75.

263

THE BLACKBIRD'S SONG.

Turdus Merula. — Linn^ijs.

" Tiie blackbird whistles from the thorny brake."

Thomson.

All cities I hate ; nor has splendour or pride

The least of attraction for me ;
Give me a retreat by some shady wood-side ;
There only I'm happy and free.

Though man for his pleasure may birds in a cage

Remorseless for ever confine;
Though some of our tribe such a prison may please,
May such prison never be mine !

Though man, too, may feed us with daintiest food.
Though gold on our prisons may shine;

I prefer the plain fare that is found in the wood,
For myself and for all that is mine.

264 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

You may prattle of cities as much as you please ;

Of their splendour and wealth all how fine !
I prefer living here with my mate at my ease ;

Where is happiness equal to mine ? 0^)

(+7) Order, Passkres, (Linn.) Blackbird.
The Blackbird, Tardus Merula, (Linn.) Colly, Merle* or
Amselj is almost too well known to need description. The
male is wholly of a deep black when full-grown, at which state
it arrives the next spring after the snmmer in which it is hatched,
when the bill and the orbits of the eyes are deep yellow. The fe-
male is not so intense a black as the male; nor is the bill so deep
a yellow : the ditference in the colour of the bills being the
principal characteristic of the sex. It is said there arc three
other varieties of this bird ; one with the head white ; another
with the body white ; and the third variegated with black and
white; but they are not common in England. It feeds chiefly
on snails and worms, and, occasionally, on insects and berries.
In a domestic state it may be fed on bread and niilk, and bread
and water, and even flesh. It is at all seasons a solitary bird.
Found almost every where in this country, in the neighbourhood
of woods, trees, and hedges ; rarely on open heaths or downs.
It also inhabits Europe and Asia. Lays five dirty-green spotted
eggs. Nest composed externally of dried grass, or moss, and
sometimes other materials; plastered inside with clay, and then
lined with dried grass. See the Introduction. See also note (43.)
'* Take thy delight in yonder goodly tree,

Where the sweet merle and warbling mavis be."

Drayton's Owl.

* The terms merle for the blackbird, andmat'u for the thrush,
are used chiefly by our poets :

" Merry is it in the good green wood,
When the mavis and male are singing,
When the deer sweeps by and the hounds are in cry,
And the hunter's horn is ringing."

Sir Walter Scott's Lady of the Lake.

L

265

THE HEDGE-SPARROW'S COMPLAINT.

Motacilla Modularis.—LinjiMVS.
Sylvia Modularis. — Latham.

I have heard well-pleas'd, attentive,

Many birds their carols sing ;
Sweet the power of sorig inventive! —

Power to soothe, to charm a king.

But what power may soothe my anguish ?

What shall chase my grief away ?
Mine, not throbs of love's soft languish —

Deeper far my woe than they.

Rapine gives my plaint its feature ;

Rapine! Vis too mild a name
For the deeds which outrage nature ; —

Deeds for which man 's oft to blame.

The blackbird has a loud and beautiful note ; it sings in tiiis
country during the spring for about three months; is generally
silent the remainder of the year, except that, upon being dis-
turbed, it utters a peculiar shrieking, not easily described, yet
well known to the natural historian.

The mode in which this bird, and some others of the thrush
tribe separate house-snails from their shells by striking them
repeatedly against a stone, deserves notice ; the labour which
they expend in doing this i.«, sometimes, almost incredible.

N

266 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

And, as if enough it were not.

While we suffer various ill,
From the kite, hawk, stote* destroying,

Man our cup of woe must fill !

Nets and traps, deceitful birdlime.

Lays he often in our way ;
And he even trains our fellows.

To entice us — to betray.

I my little brood had nurtur'd —

Hope had much for me in store-
Came a boy — a wanton school-boy.
And my darliiigs from me tore !

Tell me not man's noble nature
Spurns the chains of base control ;

Tell me not that such a creature.
Has a great, a generous soul. (^*)

(^8) Order, Passeres, (Linn.) Hedge-Sparrow.

The Hedge-Sparrow, Hedge- fVarbler, Titling^ Dunnock,
or Motacilla Modularise (Linn.) is brownish, with blackish
streaks; size of the redbreast; builds in box hedges, low
bushes, hawihorn hedges, and dry brakes ; nest neat ; externally
of green moss, &c. internally lined with hair; eggs five, light
blue. Common to Europe, and very common in this country.
The cuckoo generally lays her egg in the nest of this bird.— See

* A species of weasel.

THE HEDGE-SPARROW. 267

note (6.) — The hedge-sparrow has a pleasing song; it remains
with >is the whole year ; feeds on insects and worms, but will
also, like the redbreast, pick up crumbs of bread, and seems to
prefer being near the habitations of man. It appears that,
although the young or eggs of the hedge-sparrow are invariably
destroyed whenever the cuckoo's egg is hatched in the hedge-
sparrow's nest, this destruction is not effected by the hedge-
sparrow, but by the young cuckoo. As the following lines, on
disturbing a Iiedge-sparrow from her nest, allude to this fact, I
shall be, I trust, pardoned for reprinting them here : they have
long been before the public.

" Little flutterer! swiftly flying.

Here is none to harm thee near ;
Kite, nor hawk, nor school-boy prying.

Little flutterer! cease to fear.

One who would protect thee, ever.
From the school-boy, kite, and hawk,

Musing now obtrudes, but never
Dreamt of plunder in his walk.

He no weasel stealing slily.

Would permit thy eggs to take,
Nor the pole-cat, nor the wily

Adder, nor the wreathed snake.

May no cuckoo wandering near thee,

Lay her egg within thy nest ;
Nor thy young ones, born to cheer thee,

Be destroy'd by such a guest.*

Little flutterer ! swiftly flying,

Here is none to harm thee, near ;
Kite, nor hawk, nor school-boy prying j
Little flutterer cease to fear.

* The fact here alluded to is particularly mentioned by Dr.
Jenneu in a paper published in the Philosophical Transactions
for the year 1788.

V 2

268

THE BULFINCH'S SONNET.

Loxia Pyrr/jM/d.— LiNN^.us,

" The bulfinch whistles soft his flute like notes."

Savage.

We live without law, and we love without care;

And my mate is delighted my feelings to share.

We live without law, and we love without strife ;

Oh what is so sweet as the bulfinch's life ?

Our LAWS are our feelings, which prompt us to show

Affection to all that inhabits below.

From my mate is ne'er heard the harsh word of com-
mand;

But a look, always kind, is the wizard's sole wand.

Son of freedom himself, he's the friend of the free;

No constraint could be pleasing to him or to me.

It is thus he insures the Affections' control;

And thus, without law, he possesses my soul.

Come, Man ! and learn thou, from the birds of the
grove.

What HAPPINESS waits on such generous love ! C*^)

THE BULFINCH. 269

(*9) Order, Passeres, {Linn.) Bclfinch.

The BuLFiNCH, (Loxia Pyrrhula,) Red-hoop, Hoop, Tony-
hoop j Alp, or Nope, is so well known as to need little descrip-
tion. The head, wings, and tail, are black ; the breast and
belly red ; the upper tail coverts and vent white. The male is
distinguished from the female by the superior blackness of his
crown, and by the rich crimson which adorns his cheeks, breast,
belly, and throat ; those parts of the female being of a dirty
buff colour. The plumage is, however, variable, some indi-
viduals being wholly black; others white, with black spots on
the back. About six inches long.

This is one of the few species of birds of which the female also
sings. See Mr. Sweet's letter in the Introduction. This bird
is so docile that, having but two or three harsh notes, it becomes,
by regular education, proficient in mnsic. It may be taught to
speak as well as sing. It is found in our woods and thickets
throughout the year ; seen sometimes in gardens attacking the
buds of plums, and generally considered destructive to them ;
but its object, most probably, is not the bud itself, but the worm
in it. Builds in a black or white thorn bush ; eggs four or five,
bluish white, speckled and streaked with purple.

270

THE RING-DOVE'S LAMENT.

Cotumba PaZumiiw.— (Linn.)

Dear is my little native vale,

The RiNG.DovE builds and nuirmurs there.

Rogers.

Why, alas ! am I forsaken ? —

If forsaken ? — Is it true 1 —
Slill Affection will awaken

Thoughts of Happiness and you ; —

You — you — you I

How have I in aught offended ? —

With disdain why me pursue ?
Affection, with my being blended,

Ever dwells, in thought, with you; —

You^you — you.

More professing you may find one, —
More imposing — not more true ;

But a heart — where meet more kind one,
One that, e*er, will beat for you ?

ybw— yoM— 2/ow.

THE RING-DOVE. 571

O, return '.—return ! and gladden
This poor heart, forlorn, yet true ; —

Bid begone all cares that sadden ; —
Here waits Happiness for you ;

You — you — you /('o)

(5°) Order, Passeres, (Linn.) Columba, (Lath.) Wood-
Pigeon.

The Columba Palumbus^ WooD'Pigeon, Ring-Dove, Ring-
Pigeon, Queeze, Quest, Wood-Quistf or Cushaty* is cinereous, tail
feathers black on the hind part j primary quill feathers whitish
on the outer edge ; neck each side white ; eighteen inches long ;
inhabits Europe, our own country, and, occasionally, Siberia;
heard sometimes near London, as, in Kensington Gardens.
Flesh of course good. It is indigenous to this country, and
migrates, most probably, only from the northern to the southern
parts. In winter they assemble in large flocks, and constantly
resort to woods to roost on the highest trees ; on which too they
build their nests, composed only of a few sticks, (see the Intro>
duction.) Eggs two, white, exactly oval, and larger than those
of the domestic pigeon, with which, and ^^ith this species, at-
tempts have been made to produce a breed, but without suc-
cess. Feeds on grain, seeds, Sec.

The cooing notes of the wood-pigeon are somewhat loud, yet
hoarse, and uttered very slowly ; they seem to be notes of
sorrow, and consist principally of such sounds as are conveyed
by the words twoj two, two, taffy take two; they are probably
neither more nor less than the natural expressions of pleasurable

sensation peculiar to this tribe of birds. See note (7.)

, ■' .. . .- ,i'.^.in^ ,i)-' ■

* " Perch'd on Lis wonted eyrie nigh, . , . .
Sleep seal'd the tercelet's wearied eye.
That all the day had watch'd so well
The cushat dart across the dell."

Sir Walter Scott's Rokeby, Canto vi.

272

THE BLACK-CAFS SONG.

Motacilla Airicapilla.—'LnnNJEVs,
Sylvia Atricapilla.'^Ij aiu am.

*' The mimic melodist,
The Black-cap from some tangled sloe bash trills
His varying song : now as some merulid*s,
Now as Lusci7iian Sylviad's* aloud
His note ; and now in strain original
Excites the woods to listen."

From an unpublished Poem,

Her loveliness, oh, who shall tell.
Or, of beauty, what is the magic spell ; —
And what that affection, pure and fine.
That around the heart unseen doth twine ?

And who shall tell the deep feeling now
That is hid in the leaves of the waving bough;—
And who shall tell that breast's delight.
When my song lays it gently to rest at night?

Hush, hush, ye winds! and ye noises rude !
On my love's repose how dare ye intrude ;
Begone with thy steeds, thou garish day !
And then I will warble my love a lay. (*')

* The Nightingale.

THE BLACK-CAP. 273

(5') Order, Passeres, (Linn.) Black-cap.

The BlacK'CAP, (Motacilla AtTicapilla,) Mock-Nightingale^
Nettle-creeper J or Nettle-monger, inhabits England, Europe, and
Siberia ; it is found also at Madeira, and there called Tinta-
Negra. It is a migratory bird, arriving in this country in
April, and leaving it sometime in the autumn ; its winter retreat
is not known ; it is, however, occasionally s^enhere in January.

It is between five and six inches long. The head of the male
is black, back greyish-brown, with a tinge of green ; beneath
ash-colcur. Three or four varieties. The female is larger than
the male, and has the crown of the head of a rust-colour. Builds
generally in low bushes, but sometimes in an old ivy-tree.
Eggs four or five, pale reddish-brown, mottled with a deeper
colour, sprinkled with a few dark spots ; the male and female
sit upon the eggs in turn. Feeds on insects, and also on the
berries of tlie spurge laurel, service, and especially ivy. Has,
it is said, in Italy, two broods in a year; in this country only
one.

The black-cap.niay with propriety be called the English
Mocking-bird ; it has been heard to sing the notes of the Black-
bird, Thrush, Nightingale, Redstart, and Sedge-Warbler, besides
its own peculiar whistle, which is most delightful; it makes
also a noise resembling that of a pair of shears used in clipping
a fence, which is also the noise made by its young. See the
paper by Messrs. Sheppard and Whitear, before referred to in the
Introduction.

N 3

274
THE NIGHTINGALE'S SONG.

Motacilla Luscinia. — Linn^us.
Sylvia Luscinia. — Latham.

Sweet is the time when all the fields

Their loveliest robes assume ;
And sweet the time when lilies shed

Their elegant perfume.

But sweeter far than these the time

When, on his eager wings,
My love returning to his bower

An evening descant sings.

Sweet morn, sweet eve, and sweet the day,
When spring, with budding rose,

Advancing smiles, with liberal hand.
Rich fragrance round him throws.

But, oh ! how sweeter far the time

When, at the midnight hour.
My love pours out to me his soul

In notes of magic power,*

For a description of the Nightingale's Song,, see the
Introdnctiou ; for its form, colours, habits, &c. see note (5.)

* It is here presumed that the female, as well as the male
nightingale, sings ; the fact, however, is doubtful : the reader
will, it is hoped, pardon the poetical licence.

t15

GLEE.

We are sons of pleasure,
We are sons of love,

Joys, beyond all measure.
Wait us in the grove.

Who so happy as birds,
Who as birds so free; —

Who so happy as birds,
Who so happy as we 1

We know nought of care,
Little know of strife ;

Tell us, tell us where.
You find so sweet a life^

None so happy as birds,
None as birds so free ;

None so happy as birds,
None so happy as we.

276

THE BANQUET.

Quae virtus et quanta, boni, sit vivere parvo,

Discite:

Jejunus raro slomachus volgaria temnit.

HORAT.

" The freedom nature gave,
Her water and her simplest dish."

Canary Bird's Song.

Behold now the banquet ! And, first, we remark.
That the banqueting -hall was a large shady park ;
The table a glade— cloth a carpet of grjeen,
Where sweet-smelling shrubs strew'd about might be

seen.
The lilac put forth her delights in the vale;
Other spring.flowers' odours were mix'd with the gale.
With encouraging smile nature sat at the feast ;
Her converse a charm that enraptured each guest.
The viands were various to suit every taste,
Got together by magic, assisted by haste :
The dishes, all simple, no surfeit produce ;
Nor did wine's effervescence excite to abuse.

THE BAiTQUET. 277

There was corn— w/iea^, oats, barley, for many a Fowl J
There was grass for the Goose, and a mouse for the

Owl.
There were pease for the Rook, as an elegant treat j
For the Crow there was carrion, he glories to eat.
The Bulfinch's feast wassome buds from the plum,
That, torn fresh from the tree, made the gardener

look glum.
For Pheasants and Nightingales, ants' eggs were

found ;
Andy?iesfor the Swallows in numbers abound.
For the Sea-gull was many a cock-chafer grub ;
Many Warblers pick'd worms from the tree or the

shrub ;
The Sea-birds directed attention to Jish;
The Duck partook almost of every dish.
For the Swan were some water -'plants pluck'd from

the pond ;
Of Jish the KiNG-FiSHERS evinc'd they were fond.
The Divers, Grebes, Guillemots, Water-Rails,

too,
On the dishes oi Jish all instinctively flew.
For the Goldfinch was groundsel, a delicate bit;
There was sunjiower-seed for the saucy Tomtit.
For the Crane was an eel; for the Thrush was a

snail ;
And barley for Partridge, for^PiOEON, and Quail.
For the Cuckoo, dm earthworm — his greatest delight;
Some Hawks, of fowl, Jlesh, or Jish, seized what they

might ;

278 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

But the Kestril, a mouse to all dainties preferred;
While the Shrike pounc'd, at once, on some poor

helpless bird.
For the House-Sparrow, wheat — he's reputed a thief;
The Eagle himself got a slice of raw beef.
The Turkey of apples partook as a treat,
And the Cock and Hen caught up a bone of cold meat.
The DessertI— It consisted of only one thing :
A clear stream of water just fresh from the spring.

279

THE HOUSE-SPARROW'S SPEECH.

FringiUa Domestica. — Linn^GUS.

** Go to the Indian, White Man ! go—
And learn his Ourah reed to blow —
Compound Wourali poison — deep
The arrow in the fell juice steep,
Then shoot — the bird, with scarce a sigh,
Will thank thee for such death, and die."

280

(5*) Order, Passeres, (Linn.) The House-Sparrow.

The FringillaDomesticat House-Sparrow, or SparroitJ, inhabits
Europe, Asia, Africa, and this country, and too well kno\«u to
need description ; four varieties ; five and three quarter
inches long. Builds under the eaves of houses both thatched
and tiled ; sometimes in ivy, sometimes in other birds' nests ;
(I have seen its nest in that of a deserted magpie's,) and
in and near London on the Lombardy poplar. Feeds on grain
and insects; troublesome in gardens j proverbially salacious;
breeds many times in the year; eggs six, whitish, dirty spotted
ash colour; it is a gregarious, noisy, crafty bird, and not easily-
caught; very destructive to ripe corn; but, nevertheless, it
may be questioned whether, upon the whole, it be not a useful
bird : for more concerning it and its nest, gee the Introduction,

281

I

TO

THE LADIES

^■^ fVho have so kindly patronized

THE SOCIETY
FOR PREVENTING CRUELTY TO ANIMALS,

THE FOLLOWING

SPEECH OF THE HOUSE-SPARROW

Is respectfully inscribed

By the Author.

Why mute the Lark on themes like these ; —
Why silent are the Partridges;—
Why slumber Sea-birds when among
Them death, disasters, stalk— a throng ?
Why sleeps remonstrance, when proud Man
Walks forth, the monarch of a span,
And lifts the fatal tube on high.
Then, 'midst our tribe, lets ruin fly ?*

* The very common practice of firing at large flocks of birds
deserves severe animadversion. Larks^ House-Sparrows^ Par-
iridgesy and various other gregarious tribes, are too often sub-
jected to tliis wanton and merciless indulgence in what has been
named Sport. It is difiicult iu speaking or in writing of such

28^ BRITISH AND EVROPJEAN BIRCS.

Why sleeps Remonstrance when to Sport
He pays a heedless wanton court; —
Wounds many — kills, perchance, a few —
Then calls his dogs with loud halloo ?

barbarity, for barbarity it assuredly is, to suit one's expressions
to the occasion. There can be, however, I presume, but one
opinion as to firing amidst a flock of birds, where the chances
are that as many or more may be wounded than killed by the
unfeeling process. The thought, too, which must naturally arise
in the breast of every humane person, that the wounded birds
may, and very often do, retire in agony and die a lingering
death, or drag on a miserable life, is calculated still more to
heighten our disgust and disapprobation. Such reflections as
these ought to deter Man from so wanton an aggression on the
happiness and well being of birds: but, alas! his Pleasure
and his Sport weigh down the beam in opposition to humanity
and feeling.

Although I should not desire to see the late Act of Parliament
for preveniing Cruelty to Animals extended so as to include birds,
it being a subject on which it is difiicult, if not impossible, to
legislate, yet I should be very glad to find that, in every Seminary
ofEducation^ the necessity and duty of treating with kindness and
benevolence all animated nature were strongly inculcated
and enforced. Such kindly feeling exercised towards brutes
would inevitably lead to more kindly feelings towards our own
species — feelings which cannot be too much encouraged and
nurtured ; feelings which tend not only to promote the happi-
ness of others, but most essentially our own.

It appears to me that it is chiefly by such means as these,
not by penal enactments, that Cruelty to Animals, generally,
will be most effectually prevented ; more especially if those, who
are influential in the affairs of mankind, take care to evince
those dispositions which it ought to be the aim of our seminaries
to implant. But, while the pursuits of Hunting, Fishing,

ON SHOOTING BIRDS POR SPORT. 283

The wounded flutter through brake or wood,
With anguish writhe as they seek their food ; —
Or^ lingering in pain from day to day.
At length they pine and die away ; —
Or fluttering J floating on ocean wave.
They find, in some hungry fish, a grave.
These, Man ! the trophies of thy sport!*
For these thou payest wanton court !

and Shooting, are eucouraged as Sports, and followed ac-
cordingly by our Magnates, acts of parliament, and, I fear,
most other attempts to prevent cruelty to animals, will be
comparatively abortive.

Relative to the destruction of animals injurious to man, Cow per
has stated the case with tolerable precision :

" The sum is this : If man's convenience, health.
Or safety, interfere, his rights and claims
Are paramount, and must extinguish theirs."

When, however, noxious animals are to be destroyed, hu-
mauity will prompt us to do the revolting deed in the most ex-
peditious and least painful way. The wickedness and cruelty
of destroying any animal, how noxious soever it may be, merely
for our sport or diversion, require no comment.

In Note (17), page 185, it is stated that one hundred and twenty-
nine birds were killed, or at least obtained, by one shot; but
it should also be mentioned, as an appalling fact in the history,
that nearly /or^i/ birds more, either wing-broken or otherwise in-
jured, floated away on the surface of the water. What must
have been the mass of pain and suffering produced by this
outrage on the unoffending Pur; a bird which, after all, though
eatable, is by no means a delicacy.

* These are not, however, the only trophies obtained by
Shooting. The accidents arising to man himself from the use

284 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

But what have we, House- Sparrows, done,
The victims both of net and gun !
A race proscribed, for ever we
Are doomed to dire hostility ;^
Our various labours set at nought; —
Our heads by the churchwarden bought ;-—
And every wanton, booby boy
Taught us to worry and destroy.
True, we in fields of corn delight —
Corn is to us most apposite :
In this we only follow nature,
As man does, every other Creature,
Our sins are trumpeted aloud.
Our virtues wrapt in darkness* shroud
How comes it that the good we do
Is kept most carefully from view 1 ._ '^"^

of the Fowling-piece in this country are so many, so continual
and disastrous, that it is really surprising, seeing that shooting is
not only circumscribed by law, but is, besides, in numerous in-
stances, a very unprofitable employment, how so many persons
can find pleasure or amusement in it ; but it seems that its
comparative unproductiveness, its dangers, and, withal, its in-
humanity, are not sufficient to prevent certain persons from
following, what I cannot avoid considering, to say the least of
it, a silly occupation. When will men act up to the dignity of
their nature and their knowledge ?

** I would not kill one bird in wanton sport,
I would not mingle jocund mirtli with death,
For all tiie smoking board, the savoury feast.
Can yield most exquisite to pampered sense."

C. Lloyd. Anthology , vol.ii. page 237.

UTILITY or BIRDS. 285

We hear not of the many seeds
Which we devour of noxious weeds ; —
Of worms and grubs, destructive things,
That each of us his offspring brings.*
What though we snatch a feast of corn,
Or ere its safe in yonder barn,
Yet, is there not enough beside
For Man and his consummate pride ?

Must all of us to HIM alone
Bow down as though earth were his throne,
On which no being may intrude
To mar his pleasure or his good ?
Hath HE of earth the exclusive charter ;~
Shall HE for sport or pleasure martyr
All others' weal? — We may admit
His manly port — his talent — wit —
Admit, nay, more, admire them too !
But WE have rights, and so have you. :

Shall HE, our fellow mortal here.
Presume with us to interfere —
Fix limits to our happiness —
Capriciously curse or bless
As pleaseth his high mightiness ?

* Bewick states that " a single pair of sparrows, during the
time they are feeding their young, will destroy about tour thou-
sand caterpillars weekly." They feed their young, also, with
many winged insects : in London, it is presumed, chiefly with
flies.

The utility of the Goldfinch is peculiarly striking, it feeding in
the winter, when at large, principally on thistle seed ; hence it
is called the Thistle/inch.

286 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Have WE no sense— no feeling — we

With ALL THE Animate of Earth, whom he

Vainly attempts to govern ? — Narrow

The thought, and futile the pretence,

To limit to himself all sense !
He may obtain some even from a Sparrow !

I here, might, enpassant^ complain
For youye Warblers in our train ;
For yoUf who morning, noon, and night,
The woods, the uplands, meads, delight.
For you, who oft in prison dwell.

Deprived of social converse there,
Like lonely hermit in a cell.

Perchance to please some lady fair ; —
To pick from off her lily hand
Some crumbs, or sing at her command.
But Scotia's Bard hath well in song
Proclaim'd aloud the heinous wrong.*

* " Be not the muse asham'd here to bemoan
Her brothers of the grove by tyrant man
Inhuman caught, and in the narrow cage
From liberty coufin'd and boundtess air.
Dnll are the pretty slaves, their plumage dull.
Ragged, and all its brightening lustre lost ;
Nor is that sprightly wildness in their notes
Which, clear and vigorous, warbles from the beech ;
O then ye friends of love and love-taught song,
Spare the soft tribes ; this barbarous art forbear :
If on your bosom innocence can win,
Music engage, or piety persuade."

Thomson's Sjning,

ON THE PLUCKING OF GEESE. 287,

And you yourselves to-day have shown

That 'tis not good to be alone.
Besides,

And here even patience' self derides,

Who is it that complains of us —

About his corn-fields makes such fuss ?

The Greatest Ravager on earth —

Man ; man, who, from the earliest birth

Of ancient time,
Hath robb'd and ransack'd every clime —
The ocean, earth, and air, for food ! —
In pleasure or in wanton mood
Commands the Duck, Goose, us, to bleed ;
Pursues the Ostrich on the steed ; —
Of all our pangs takes little heed ! —
The most omnivorous of all,
What shall we such a being call? —

I might still further amplify
On his august humanity :
Might tell how, Jive times in a year.
He strips the raiment from the goose
And then, as heartless, turns him loose ; — *

* S^ince the above was written, I find the following informa-
tion in the Morning Herald of Sept. 15, 1826. "The farmers on
the moorlands in this county (Somerset) rear vast flocks of
geese, chiefly for the sake of the feathers, which are mercilessly
stripped from the suffering bird five times a year. By this
practice one pound of feathers is obtained from each bird
yearly. Yesterday week was the period of plucking for the
fifth time in the neighbourhood of Westmoor near Langport; the
geese were immediately afterwards turned out on the common:
6

288 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

How poulterers the feelings rive.
By plucking many a fowl alive,*
You well might shudder while you hear!
How sordid wights will oft pretend
Our native songs to improve, extend ; —

the rain descended that night in torrents, and the air was chilly ;
in consequence of which the flocks, having been divested of
■ theirnatural protection, suffered so severely, that, on Westmoor
alone, from 1600 to 2000 geese were in the morning found dead ;
and a very considerable number besides are now so languid that
their recovery is doubtful."

The plucking of geese for their feathers, even in the most
genial season, can scarcely be effected at any time without the
production of considerable pain to the animal. A more humane
method would be, at a suitable season, to cut off the feathers
close to the skin with sharp scissors; by this method the quality
of the feathers would be much improved, and the trouble of
assorting and dressing the feathers afler they are plucked would
be thus saved ; the down may be afterwards removed by the
same means. It is said that when the feathers are removed in
this way, the animal is rather benefited than injured by the
operation ; and that the stumps are thrown off as in natural
moulting, and a beautiful new crop of plumage quickly makes
its appearance. I am indebted for these hints to the communi-
cation of a lady in the Monthly Magazine^ vol. Ivi. page 4iJ4.

* Tliis is, I fear, too true, and too common a practice in the
metropolis. The reason assigned by a poulterer is that
*' it does not tear the flesh'' — that is, as the living is more
tenacious than the dead fibre, the exterior appearance of the
fowl after death is, to use a vulgarism, more sightly. When
will man cease to agonize the quivering fibres of animals for his
silly and luxurious gratification ?

TfiE house-sparrow's SPEECH. 289

How keep us in a putrid bath !
Restrain, I you beseech, your wrath I
That all much suffer, many die.
You know, I ween, as well as I.*
From Birds, to Beasts, to Fish, might pass-
Tell how he treats the horse, the ass —
The bull how worries — and how eels
He skins alive — what crimped cod feels»
But such a catalogue — so dire
Would only more inflame your ire.

He boasts his knowledge and his art ;
His wisdom, too; —his generous heart.
Have WE no knowledge— none, when we
Pass over land and over sea,

From clime to clime.
As constant as the march of time,
Our wants, our pleasures, tastes, to suit? —
Man calls this, instinct of the brute!—
A most convenient word is this.
For his subUmity, I wis —
Instinct ;t whenever and where he
Cannot perceive congruity —

* See the Introduction, page 47.

t The term Instinct has been so long used by our philoso-
phers both prosaic and poetical, that it may be thought some-
what heretical to question its meaning and application. But as
Truth can never be injured by discussion ; and as it is the
duty of every one of us to verify, if possible, by actual experi-
ment, the truths which we are taught, in order that our convic-
tions may be rendered, by such experiments, more consistent,

O

290 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Connexion 'twixt effect and cause,

He, at one stride, the inference draws —

'Tis Instinct, and beyond all laws,

useful, and lasting, I make no apology for questioning the pro-
priety of the use of the term Instinct when applied to many of
the actions of birds as well as to those of other animals, com-
monly termed the brute creation. Pope says.

How instinct varies in the grovelling swine.
Compared half-reasoning elephant with thine!
'Twixt that and reason what a nice barrier !
For ever separate yet for ever near !
Remembrance and reflection how allied ;
What thin partitions sense from thought divide!

Essay on Man.
So thin, indeed, as frequently not to be divided at all ! These
lines appear lo me to contain a very small portion of philosophy ;
little that is agreeable to Fact, upon which all true philosophy
must be founded : for, according to the doctrine here laid
down, brutes do not reason. Why not ? If Reason be a process,
(not a faculty,) by which different ideas or things are compared^ their
fitness or unfitness perceived, and conclusions drawn from such com-
parisons and perceptions, which I think it is, then it will be found
that most brutes, including birds, reason more or less, tiie intel-
lectual difference between these and man consisting principally
in degree ; the degree is undoubtedly great; but the probability
is that, from their inability to communicate many of their
thoughts to us, they ali know much more than they can show.
The terms half-reasoning applied to the elephant are peculiarly
inappropriate; the elephant, compared with many other qua-
drupeds, reasons well ; so do the dog, the horse, and many
other animals whose actions we have an opportunity of atten-
tively observing, not omitting to name some of the birds.

When the action of a brute animal appears to arise without
any apparent process of reasoning, we call it instinct; but if

I

INSTINCT REASON. 291

How knows he this? — Who could him teach,

None hut himself hath -power of speech?

What! does he think the various sounds

With which our feather'd world abounds

Contain no meaning ? — This, his sense !

His views oi our intelligence !

He too denies that we have reason!

If it would not be out of season,

I'd prove, as easily I can,

That we have that as well as man.

we were belter acquainted with the opeiatiouh of the minds of
brutes, it is extremely probable tliiit much of wiiat now seems,
and is called instinct, would be found the result of processes of
reasoning; simple, no doubt, many of them are, but rational
notwithstanding.

Mr. Bolton, the author of Harmonia Ruralis, informs us
that he observed a pair of goldfinches beginning to make their
nest in his garden, and that they formed tiieir ground-work
with mossj grass^ Sec. as usual j but, on his scattering small
pieces of wool about the garden, they, in a great measure, left
their own materials and used the wool ; he afterwards gave
them cotton, wiiich they took, resigning the wool ; he lastly
gave them doun, with which they finished their work, having
forsaken all the other articles. Is not this reason'/ But it
would be endless to multiply instance's in which the actions of
birds, and other aniiLals, are evidently regulated by reason.

And here I cannot avoid lanienting that PoPt's Essay on
Man has had, on this account, as well as on some others, so ex_
tensive a circulation ; it has, I fear, by the method in which it
lias treated the subjects of Morals and Mind, considerably
obstructed our progress in knowledge: for it is, it appears to
me, by far too dictatorial and dogmatic, assuming as true wlia^
must still, I think, be considered as subjudice. And although we

292 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Of our proficiency in art
I shall convince you ere we part.
Look at OUR Domes inlaid with care ;
Such let him fashion if he dare :
Inspect the Wren*s — the Oriole's nest—
The GoldJinch*Sf and all the rest
Of curious make ; then say if he,
With all his cunning nicety,
With all the abundance of his wit,
Can ever thus materials fit ?

As for his wisdom. Being vain !
Behold it in his Sporting Train !

may not exactly agree with another poet, a predecessor of Pope,

yet Prior has treated the subject with more modesty, if not

with more truth. Speaking of brutes, he says,

"Evil likens they shun, and covet good ;

Abhor the poison and receive the food.

Like us they love and hate ; like ns they know

To joy the friend, or grapple with the foe.

With seeming thought their actions they intend,

And use the means propoi tion'd to the end.

Then vainly the philosopher avers

That reason guides our deed, and instinct theirs.

How can we justly different causes frame.

When the effects entirely are the same ?

Instinct and reason how can we divide?"

Solomon, Book I.

Yet Pope lias divided them ! — how lamely we have seen. We

conclude, therefore, that instinct ought to be used in a much

more restricted sense than it hitherto has been ; it is by no

means applicable to many of the actions of the brute creation:

for, in numerous instances, they appear to reason in a similar

way to man.

THE house-sparrow's SPEECH. 293

*Mongst which, the savage horde canine,

Kept hungry by sedate design —

Those Hounds that, now and then, contrive

To eat their keepers up aHve —

I here might aptly introduce

To shew man's wisdom and its use ;

But the horrific theme is such

It proves, I fear, almost too much ;*

Talk of a heart ! prate to the wind !

The storm, the waves, are far more kind !

Have we not homes and children too ?

How often he doth these destroy,

In all the glee of savage joy,
I need not here relate to you.
Talk of a heart! — what I have said
Will prove what are both heart and head!

Of Man, our Master, these are deeds ,

At which the heart revolting bleeds :
Of man, too, who is said to be, —
Of all God's creatures only he, —

The HIGHLY-CIVILIZED !

Of man who, vainly proud of name.
Asks guerdon of immortal Fame!

By fame such deeds are duly priz'd !

Might I now here advice presume

This Lord's thick darkness to illume,

I'd say — If thy 'penchant be still

The fowls of air, in Sport, to kill,

* The circamstance here alluded to occurred in Somerset-
shire about twenty years ago. — See ray Observations on the Dia-
lects of the West of England, article Fanny Fear.

294 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

Go to the Indian, white man ! go,
And learn his ourah reed to blow —
Compound wourali poison, — deep
The arrow in the fell juice steep,
Then shoot — the bird, with scarce a sigh,
Will thank thee for such death, and die.*

And are we not, 'tis painful thus
To speak of what relates to Us —
I here more strictly now apply
The word to sparrows such as I —

* We learn from Wateuton's Wanderings, that the Blow-
Pipe, with which the Indians of Guiana shoot their poisoned
arrows at birds, consists of a long hollow reed without a joint.
The part used is ten or eleven feet long; it is called Ourah :
the case consists of another reed called Samourah. The
arrow, which is made from the leaf of a palm tree, is hard and
brittle^ and pointed as sharp as a needle. About an inch of the
pointed end is dipped in the poison called Wourali, which de-
stroys life's action so gently that the victim appears to be in no
pain whatever. This powerful and fatal drug is a sympous de-
coction made from several vegetables, the chief of which is
called woMrafi, whence the poison has obtained its name, and
from venomous ants and the fangs of some snakes. It is pre-
pared by the Indians with many superstitious rites. With this
blow-pipe the Indian can send an arrow three hundred feet : he
puts the arrow, round one end of which some cotton is wound
to resist the air, into the tube, and, collecting his breath for the
fatal puff, after taking aim, sends it on the work of death ; the
birds, it is said, are not at all injured by the poison, — in three
minutes the victim generally falls to the ground. The plant
called wourali is one of the scandent tribe, and allied to the
genus strychnos. — The particular species does not appear to be
yet ascertained. .ui^>M,i. i ,.. .V

THE house-sparrow's SPEECH. 296

And are we not a social tribe ?

We follow man without a bribe ;

We leave even corn with him to dwell,

Why, let him, if he's able, tell :

For in his cities we abound

Where corn grows not, nor weeds are found. '^^

'• How live you, then ?" — I almost scorn

Such question ! certes not on corn !

We live by worthy means — by wit —

Have I not rightly answered it ?—

We /ive— enjoy domestic life —

And though we sing not, you may see

And hear us always full of glee ;

Nor know we much of care or strife,

Save what proud Man provides for us.

From what is said coiiclude we thus :
That yet, our knowledge cannot scan
The vast design which we, with man.
In nature's universe behold ;—
That, though there be some beings bold
Who would prescribe laws to that Power,
Beneath which we and man must cower,
How often are we set at nought —
Our insignificance how taught ?
Yet may we cherish happiness
And all our fellow beings bless,
By offices of tenderness. —
Here chiefly lie our duties— here
No doubts arise— no mists appear.
Who is it then that has most sense ?
He WHO SHEWS MOST Benevolence!!

296 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS.

The shadows of evening began to grow long ;

The monarch once more now demanded a song.

Desirous to know how their notes would combine

He directed the songsters in chorus to join.

With the rich varied concert resounded the glen :

The Nightingale—Blackcap — the Thrush— Willow-
wren i —

The Redbreast— the Linnet — the Larky with brisk
note ; —

The Stone-chat— Wren— Goldfinch— the Woodlark-^
White-throat ;

Blackbird'Sttlfinch — the Swallow-^the Petty-chaps
loud.

Missel — Red~pole, and Red-start, were heard 'midst the
crowd.

The Hedge-Sparrow -^ Pig eon — the Siskin — the Dove

Were pleas'd to pour out, too, the notes of their love.

Yet who of such sounds may the melody tell

That, on zephyr's light wings, were borne far up the dell ?

No artist could copy-^no pen could indite !

The Birds, too, were now all preparing for flight.
They departed in peace; while the Nightingale's
song,

'Midst the silence was heard, deep, melodious, and strong:

First, to Eve a rich carol of rapture he sang ;

Now, with Love notes, the woodlands delightfully rang ;

Then, to Day a " Farewelj.," and a ** Welcome" to
Night,

He warbled ; — the moon in her splendour rose bright.

297

TO THE WARBLERS'

On every bough the birdis herd I sing
With voice of angell in their harmonic."

Chaucer, Assemble of FouUs.

Then hail, ye sweet Warblers ! continue to sing !
Ever charm by your presence the redolent Spring !
Be your songs ever sacred to peace and to love.
And may harmony ever be found in the grove.
May the woods, dells, and vallies, resound with your

voice ;
And may man in your freedom for ever rejoice.
No more may he wantonly death ^midst you send,
But become, as in duty, your patron and friend ; —
No more in your sorrows delight, nor the crime
Of involving your feathers in treacherous lime ;
No more may in prison your peace he beset ;
No more may ensnare you with bait or in net.
May he cease to torment you in sport with dire pain !
And my song, ye sweet Warblers ! shall not be in

* By Warblers here the reader will please to understand not
only the genus Motacilla or Sj/Zcia, but also the whole tribe of
Song-birds.

o5

298

TO THE SPRING.

Solvitur acris hyems gratSk vice Veris et Favonl.

Horat.
*' The birds, in new leaves shrouded, sung aloft,
And o'er the level seas spring's healing airs blew soft/'

Bowles's Hope.

And hail, too, thou blithe and thou green-budding

Spring !
May the Birds on thy branches continue to sing ;
May thy groves and thy meadows with beauty be

crown'd ;
And may plenty, content, »midstthy dwellings abound;
With Thee, Truth and Nature, may rapture e'er

dwell,
While echo, in bird notes, is heard in the dell ;
And the song of the plough-boy, all buoyant with hope,
'Descend in soft cadence from upland or slope.
May man, far remov'd from the city and strife,
Possess, and with Thee, a rejind rural life.
May thy roses e'er blossom — thy pleasures ne'er fade.
And love e'er enjoy the delights of thy shade I
Then hail, thou blithe, bright, and thou redolent

Spring !
May the Birds on thy branches for ever still sing!

end the first part.

ORNITHOLOGIA.

PART THE SECOND.

FOREIGN BIRDS.

La Zone Torride,

■C»est IJi que la nature, et plusriche et plus belle,
Signale avec orguell sa vigeur ^ternelle :
C'est li qu' elle est sublime."

Saikt Lambbbt.

#iriwlitiiiliigto.

PART THE SECOND.

FOREIGN BIRDS,

VULTUR GRYPHUS:
OR,

THE CONDOR.

ORNITHOLOGIA.

PART THE SECOND.

FOREIGN BIRDS.

Once more of the Princes of Air — yet once more,
Ere my harp in the hall to its place I restore. —
Oncemore shall theWARBLERS be heard, and their song
Once more waken Echo the woodlands among.

O for powers that, more worthy the theme of my lute,
Shall an audience insure and attention strike mute.
Might I catch. Bard of Erin ! a note of thy strain,
My song, although humble, shall not be in vain.
Yes, MooRE ! to the sounds of thy rapturous Lyre
At distance I listen, but dare not aspire :
O lend me thy mantle, or toss me thy pen ;
Or prompt me to sing of the Birds of the Glen.

What delight had pervaded the Eagle's throng'd
court,
Swiftly bore to the Vulture the tongue of report:
His pride took alarm as on Andes he sate ;
He arose, flapp'd his wings, and assumed much of state.
To declare to the empire his wishes august
He del ay 'd not— thus ran the high will of the Just :

6

302 FOREIGN BIRDS.

Be it known to all Birds, beneath moon, beneath sun,
That, ere the next hebdomad race shall be run,
The Autocrat, monarch of Andes, the world.
Where vulturid banners have long been unfurl'd,
Apart all excuse and aside laying care,
A day of delight with his people will share.
It was, too, a command that no bird, on that day,
Should dare his rapacity once to display ;
Who, offended in this, in his fulness of might,
The monarch indignant would dash from his sight.

Proclamation being made of the Vulturid's pride,
By swift pinion'd report it was borne far and wide ;
Announc'd, too, through many and distant a clime,
The Isle of assembly, and g^so the Time :
To delight, and to birds, long the Island well known ;
There often the Vulture reclines on his throne ;
Not the throne of the Andes, but one where the ocean
Can be heard or in wild or in pleasing commotion :
Where a dell that, uplifting its bold, rocky side.
High, massive, would seem the fierce storm to deride.
His bolts shoot the thunder oft sportively there,
And echo, again and again, awakes fear.
Below, at the base of a mountainous rock,
That hath long stood of earthquakes and tempests the

shock,
Rolls ocean, whose waves, as they break on the shore,
Send up through the dell a loud murmuring roar :
As you pass its wild, picturesque windings along,
You will hear many Birds both in loud and soft song;

FOREIGN BIRDS. 303

While now dash over rocks, now in eddies soft glide,

The crystalline waters those windings beside.

What though there no Luscinian Sylvia* s* sweet throat,

Nor of Cuculid Scansor canorousf the note,

Yet the Warblers abound, and, in many a lay.

Their amorous passion are pleas'd to display;

But their plumage will charm you as much as their

airs ",
Delight's gayest daughter — such plumage is theirs.
Embossom*d this Dell in that Isle of the west,
Which Nature herself hath abundantly bless'd.
The whole a wild garden, where plants, shrubs, and

trees,
Grow in richest luxuriance ; the evening breeze,
Delighted to fan you, bears odours along.
While the Polyglot ThrushX fills the woods with his

song.
Heat a monarch is there; the rich, tropical fruit
In its splendour stands forth, varied tastes to salute.

Of the Beauties of Flora which rise in their pride,
'Midst the rocks fertile crannies — the streamlets be-
side,—
Or in soil rich and deeper adown thrust their root.
While their corols of splendour on lofty stalks shoot.
Description, how vivid soe'er, becomes faint,
When attempting such tropical glories to paint.

* Nightingale, S^/via /u^cinzu. t Cnckoo, CucuZtw canoru*.

X The MockiDg-bird, Turdtis polyglottus.

304 FOREIGN BIRDS.

Yet we may not neglect the fair Dahlia* bright ;
Nor her the fam'd Cactus* who blooms in the night;
Nor the Fuchsia,' with red and with frutescent

stems,
And with florests depending like bright crimson gems;
Nor the Aloe who sits on the rock all serene.
Unfolding her leaves long and thick and pale green.
Midst the lords of the forest, Pimenta* grows

there,
Whose beauty and fragrance what need to declare ?
The BoMBAx' abundant in pods of fine silk; —
The Cocos*^ nutricious with nuts full of milk;
The red Theobroma^ delighting in shade,
From whose rich oily nuts the fam'd chocolate's

made ; —
The hard Sideroxylon* also there grows ; —
And the lofty Mahogany' round her arms throws;-^

* Dahlia superflua Sind/rustranea. They are now common in
this country,

^ Cactus grandiflorus. This plant produces a very magniticent
flower of an exquisite odour ; it is said to open at sunset, and to
continue in perfection only six hours. It belongs to that class
of plants called Cereus.

3 Fuchsia coccinea.

* Myrtus pimentot or Allspice Tree.

5 Bombax heptaphyllum, Silk Cotton Tree, or Ceilta.

* Cocos nuciferaf or Cocoa Nut Tree.

7 Theobroma cacoay or Chocolate Tree.

* Sideroxylon lycioides, or Willow Leaved Iron Wood.
5> Swietenia mahogoni, or Common Mahogant.

FOREIGN BOtAUIf. 305

While the strange Indian Tree* sends her shoots

to the ground ;
For the Warblers a harvest her fruit will be found.
The Cabbage Tree Palm* lifts her broad leaves on

high;
The Fan-Palm^ and Tamarind* also grow nigh ;—
The GuaiaCum^ rich in medicinal gum ;—
The Ferns* plants perennial and lofty become;
The leguminous Cassia,' with flowers of gold,
Is pleas'd her pale foliage in light to unfold :
While many trees more, in their floral robes dight,
Arom£^ diffuse on a zephyr wing light ;
For the Birds they would seem almost purposely made;
As food some, and others delightful as shade.

• Ficus tndicus, or Wild Fig. A similar tree is called in
the East Indies Banyan. See a more extended poetical de-
scription of this tree in Southey's Cur8£ of Rehama; see
also Milton's Paradise Lost.

t Areca oleracea,

3 Corypha umbraculifera,

* Tamarindus Indica,
^ Guaiacum officinale.

^ Polypodium arboreum, or Cyaihea arboreOf a perennial
fern rising twenty feet high, with leaves that give it the appear-
ance of a palm tree.

^ Caisia fistula. The fruit of this tree is a woody, round,
blackish pod, about one inch in diameter, and sometimes two
feet long ; it contains a sweet pulp, which is used in medicine
as a gentle purgative. It is a native of both thd Indies; some
persons have imagined this to be the wild honey eaten by St.
John in the wilderness — but surely without reason.

306 F0R£IGK BtRfiS.

With the Pine- Apple,* rich in a nectarine taste,
The clefts of the rocks in abundance are grac'd.
There, too, Ricinus* broad-leav'd, whose reniform

seed
Secretes in its cells panaceas indeed ;
There the Capsicum' rich in pods pungent and red ;
And there the Banana* uplifts too her head.

Thus the Lord of the Mountain (') was pleas'd to

invite
His vassals to meet on this day of delight.

(') Order, Accipitres, (Linn.) Condor, Vulture, the
King, the Aura, the Crested, the Aquiline.
The genus Vultur, (Linn.) or Vulture, to which the
Condor or Condur, the Vultur gryphus, belongs, and to which

* Bromelia Ananas.
• " Ricinus CommuniSf or Palma Christi. An annual plant, grow-
ing plentifully in the West Indies ; it is of very quick growth,
and sometimes attains the height of sixteen feet. From its seed is
obtained the well known and safe purgative called Castor Oil.

5 The Capsicum Annuunif baccatum, and other species of Bird
PEPPER,are well known pungent stimulants, from some of which
is obtaiued the Cayenne Pepper.

'^ The Musa sapientunif or Banana Tree, is supposed to be
a native of Guinea, whence it was carried to the West Indies,
where it now flourishes most abundantly. The stalks of this
plant are peculiarly porous; the root alone is perennial, the
rest dyin?; down to the ground every year; the leaves are two
yards long and a foot broad. The fruit is in the form of a cu-
cumber, four or five inches long. The weight of a bunch of
bananas usually exceeds twelve pounds ; when ripe it is eaten
by all ranks of people either raw or fried.

t«£ CONDOR. 307

" Now haste to the dell of enchantment away /"
In vigour arose and exclaim'd the fresh day.

the term Vulture in the text is designed emphatically to be ap-
plied, comprehends above thirty species scattered over the
warmer parts of the globe : some of which inhabit America,
some Asia, some Africa, and some other parts of the world, bnt
none of them is found in this conntry. They seem to be pe-
culiarly inhabitants of warm climates, chiefly, it is presumed,
because putrid flesh, on which they feed, is there most plentiful.

They are distinguished by a straight bill hooked at the point ;
the head is bare of feathers, with a naked skin in front ; tongue
cleft; neck retractile; sense of smell generally acute. They
are a rapacious tribe, feeding on carcasses, however pntrid :
unless pressed by hunger they seldom attack living animals.
Waterton, indeed, informs us, in his Wandvrings in South
America^ that Vultures never live upon live animals ; that in
Paramaribo the laws protect them, and that in Angustura they
are as tame as domestic fowls. They are bold, gregariojis, fly
slowly, unless very high in the air. The following are the chief:

The Gryphus, Condor, Condur, or Zumbadoref is of prodi-
gious size, measuring, with the wings extended, it is said, four-
teen, sixteen, or even more, but other accounts say ten or
eleven, feet. Mr. Barrow wounded a Condor at the Cape of
Good Hope, whose wings, when spread, measured ten feet and
one inch. The bill is black, four inches long, point white ;
caruncle on the crown as long as the head ; the throat is naked,
the bottom of which is surrounded with a white ruft' composed
of long fine feathers of a hairy texture ; the lesser wing coverts
wholly black, middle ones the same with greyish white ends,
forming a bar when closed ; the greater, half black and half
white, divided obliquely; three first quills black ; secondaries
white, tipped with black ; back black ; tail black ; legs stout,
reddish brown, and those as well as the claws, which are three
quarters of an inch long, are said to be covered with scales.

308 fOR£lGU BIRDS.

The birds heard his voice, ere the glorious sun
Had his race o*er the waters in radiance begun.

The chief of this description is from Dr. Latham, who derived
his information from an actual specimen ; but the scarcity of
this bird renders its accurate description difficult, and it also
varies in different authors.

It is said to build under the protection of the highest rocks ;
eggs two, white; the west must be, of course, large, but its size,
or of what materials composed, does not seem with accuracy
known. Inhabits South America, Asia, some parts of Africa,
and probably other regions of the globe j it appears to be a bird
of enormous power, but is, in every country, extremely rare.

This rapacious animal has attracted the notice of travellers,
who have, perhaps, too often given their descriptions of it an
air of exaggeration. Dr. Grainger, author of the Sugar CanCf
and other PoemSf has alluded to it under the name of Ztunbadorej
80 called, he informs us, in consequence of the hideous humming
noise which it makes :

"The swift wing'd Zumbadore
The mountain desert startled with his hum.*'

Sugar CanCj Book I.

In a note to the poem it is said that this bird, one of the
largest and swiftest known, " is only seen at night, or rather
heard, on the desert tops of the Andes.'* This, however, is
not, by later accounts, correct : the condor frequents the sea-
coasts during the rainy season in the evening, remains there all
night, and returns in the morning to the mountains. From the
extreme rarity of this bird its natural history is not yet well
understood; further information concerning it is every way
desirable.

It has been conjectured that the Roc mentioned in the fables
of the Arabian writers is this bird.

The PapUf King-of-the- Vultures, or King-Vulture, has
the nostrils caruncalate ; crown and neck naked ; body above

THE KING OF THE VULTURES. 309

The dews, rich in odour, from balmy shrubs fell ;
And the Mocking-Bird warbled his night song's
farewell.

reddish buff, beneath yellowish white ; quills greenish black ;
tail black ; craw pendulous, orange coloured. It is about the
size of a turkey; but is chiefly remarkable for the odd formation
of the skin of the head and neck, which is bare ; this skin,
which is of an orange colour, arises from the base of the bill
whence it stretches on each side to the head, thence it proceeds
like an indented comb, and falls on either side according to the
motion of the head ; the eyes are surrounded by a red skin,
and the iris has the colour and lustre of pearl. This species
has been placed at the head of the vulture tribe on account of
the superior beauty of its external appearance ; and it is said
that it is no other way distinguished from the genus; yet
Waterton asserts that when the king of the vultures is present,
the inferior species do not attempt to touch the prey till the
king^ is satisfied ! — There might be some truth in this without
attributing kingly qualities to the bird: the inferior species
might know experimentally that his majesty would not suffer
them to touch the prey till he himself is sated. It attacks, it is
said, only the weaker animals, devouring rats, lizards, serpents,
and every kind of excrement and filth; flies very high; a native
of America.

The Aura, Carrion-Vulture, Aura-Vulture^ Turkey-Vulture^
or Turkey'Buzzard,hdi% the body greenish brown; quill feathers
black ; bill white. Another variety with body black ; quill
feathers brown ; bill cinereous ; size nearly of the preceding;
feeds on carrion, putrid carcasses, on which it gorges, and
crocodile's eggs, &c. ; sense of smell extremely acute ; inhabi ts the
United States, the West Indies, South America, and Africa ;
it is also said to be found in some parts of Europe j seen in large
flocks ; nest midst the recesses of solitary swamps in hollow
trees ; eggs from two to four, dull dirty white or cream

310 FOREIGN BIRDS.

The ScANsoRs, chief Parrots, were dissonant loud;
Many Goat-suckers' (*) notes, too, were heard from
the crowd.

colour, splashed with chocolate, mingled with black ; they are
in Icnsith two inches and three quarters, breadth two inches.
This is a peaceable and harmless bird, never offering violence to
any living animal; in the southern states of Nortii America, from
their usefulness, they are protected by a law which inipose.-* a
fine on those who wilfully deprive them of lite.

The CristatiLS, or Crested-Vulture, has the body blackish
red; head crested; breast rufous ; smaller than the last, but ex-
tremely active and voracious ; feeds on hares, rabbits, foxes,
fawns, and fish ; found in some parts of Eutope.

The FercnopteruSj Aquiline-Vulture, or Pharoah's-Cliicktn,
has the plumage white, except the quill feathers, which are
black ; the edges hoary ; length two feet. Another variety,
with the body reddish-ash, spotted with brown ; inhabits Egypt,
Syria, and Persia. It is encouiaged in Cairo to devour dead
carcasses; and in Palestine to destroy the mice whiih swarm in
the tields. In Egypt it was formerly a capital crime to destroy
one of these birds.

*' The place is tainted— and behold
The Vulture hovers yonder, and his scream
Chides us that still we scare him from his banquet."

South EY's Thalaba, vol. i. page 105.

(^) Ohder, Passfres, (Li?j?j.) Goat-sucker, the European.
the ViRGiAN, the Grand, &cc.

The geuos Capriiviulgus, (Linn.) or Goat-sucker, com-
prehends about forty species, chiefly inhabitants of America;
one the Caprintulgus Europaus, or Euroi^ean Goat-sucker,
is found in this country. I he characteristics of the tiibe are,
bill short, hooked at the end ; upper mandible beset with a row

I

THE GOAT-SUCKER. 311

Where, 'midst shades dark and sombre, and shrouded

from sight,
They shrank from the glances of strong piercing light.
They often, whenever the parrots were still,
Exclaim'd ** Willy come go!" or now, " Whip^ whip,

poor wilir
" Who are you .*" was another monotonous lay ;
And another repeated, *' Work, luork, work away T'
Whilst a ''Ha!" "heard aloud, in the wild, distant

wood,
Oft repeated, yet fainter, spake murder and blood.

of stiff bristles; niontli wide; tongue small, pointed, entire;
toes connected by a membrane as far as the first joint; tail
feathers ten. These birds seldom appear in the day-time,
unless when disturbed, or in dark cloudy weather, but wander
about in the evening in search of insects, on which they feed.
They lay two eggs, which they deposit on the naked ground.

The Europaus, Goat-sucker, European Goat-sucker, Noctur-
nal Gnat-sucker y Night- Hawk, Dorr-hawk, Churn-Owl, Goat-Owl,
Wheel bird, or Night-jur, is ten inches long; mouth excessively
wide; plumage beautifully diversified with black, brown,
ferruginous, and white, speckled and dashed with cinereous ;
beneath ferruginous brown. Inhabits Europe, Asia, and Africa.
During summer, from May to September, frequents the woods
of this country ; feeds chiefly on beetles and moths; hence is,
most probably, a very useful bird. The absurd story formerly
related of it, namely, that of sucking goats, whence its name, no
longer credited. Its note is similar to the sound of a spinning
wheel, besides which it has a sharp squeak. Eggs whitish,
marked with light brown and ash colour, larger than tho^^e of a
blackbird; these are laid on the ground amongst fern, heath,
long grass, &r. It begins its flight in the dusk of the evening in

312

FOREIGN BIRDS.

Of the Bell-birds was heard too the loud clanging

note.
As far distant it seem'd upon ether to float.

What clamour arose as the Birds flew along !
No time was there now for the soothing of song;
The sounds more like Babel assaulted the ear ;
The Sea-birds like dense clouds dark rolling appear*

pursuit of the larger insects, particularly the Scarabeeus Melolon-
that or cock-chafer, &c.

" Hark from yon quivering branch your direst foe,
Insects of night, its whirring note prolongs
Loud as the sound of busy maiden's wheel :
Then with expanded beak, and throat enlarged,
Even to its utmost stretch, its customed food
Pursues voracious. Thus from Zembla's deep
On warmer climes when herring armies pour
The living tide of plenty ; to the sun
With gold and green and azure many a league,
When ocean glitters like a field of gems
Gay as the bow of heaven, and burns by night
In every billow with phosphoric fire ;
Their march innumerous foes attend. Behold
'■ '^ In light wing'd squadrons, g-u//* of every name
' ' Screaming discordant on the surface hang.

And ceaseless stoop for prey. Lo ! gunnets huge
And osprnjs plunging from their cloudy height
With leaden fall precipitate, the waves
Cleave with deep dashing breast, and labouring rise
Talons and beak o'er-loaded."

Gisborne's Walks in a Forest.

I have thought it most advisable not to separate these lines,
60 descriptive of several facts in the natural history of birds,

THE VIRGINIAN — THE GRAND GOATSUCKER. 313

Come hither Description ! assist to me sing.
The birds who this day met their Vulturid King.

He from high Chimborazo* or Cataractsf came,
(Or from that lofty giant envelopM in flame,

altiioiigh the last portion of them relate to the Osprey. See
note (1) of the tirst Part, article Ossi/ragus.

The VirginianuSf Virginian Goat-sucker, Slwrt-winged
Goatsucker^ N ight-haick,nnd sometimes Whip-poor -willy is brown,
transversely vaiied with grey-brown and a little ash-co!our ;
beneath reddish-wiiite ; eight inches long; makes a disagreeably
loud noise all night long; eggs green, with diisky spots and
streaks; inhabits Noith Amenca.

The Grandis, or Grand Goat-sucker, is nearly two feet
Jong; the gape of the month so large as readily to admit a man's
fibt ; inhabits Cayenne.

The Indicus, a small elegant bird, and the Asiaticus, or Bom-
bay Goat-sucker, inhabit India. The Nova Hollandia, or
Crested Goat-sucker, is found in New Holland ; the Longi-
pennis, or Leona Goat-sucker, at Siena Leone.

The goat-suckers being chiefly American birds, exhibit in
that continent, of course, the greatest variety in their manners
and notes. Waterton, in his Wanderings, mentions .five
kinds that have each a peculiar set of notes. One utters,
" fl'hi) are ym, uho, who, who are you ;" another, " Work
away, work, work away;" another, " Willy come go; another,
which is also ronimon to the United States, " Whip poor will,

* The hightst peak of the Andes, and, as far as is hitherto
known, theljighest mountain in America.

t The cataracts of the Andes are unrivalled : that of Tequen-
daina dashes, at two bounds, down a perpendicular heisht of
six hundred feet, with an astounding roar, into a dark and
frightful a!»yss. The tremendous cataracts of Maypuri and
Apvr'e may also be mentioned.

P

314 FOREIGN BIRDS.

The fierce Cotopaxi;^ or some rocky chasm —
Some frightful Quebradaf that nature in spasm
And wild agony bore,) ere the morning's first beam ;
His hum startled forest and mountain and stream.

whip, whip f tchipf poor will ;" and another, a large bird, the size
of the English wood-owl, " Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha," which
sounds are uttered like a person in deep distress — the departing
voice of a night-murdered victim. Suppose yourself in hopeless
sorrow, beginning the above sequence of sounds with a loud
note, each succeeding one being lower and lower till the last is
scarcely heard, and pausinir a moment between every note,
will convey, according to Waterton, an idea of this bird's
noise. The plaintive cries of all these are uttered throughout
the night.

As Waterton has not mentioned the specific names, these
birds cannot be identified ; but we learn from Dr. Latham's
work, that two species of goat-suckers have obtained the name
of Whip-poor-will. The Vocifems, however, seems to be that to
which the name is most properly applied.

The Vociferus, Whip-poor-'WILL, or Whip-poor-will Goat-
sucker, is nine and a half inches long ; gape very large ; mouth

* A notable Volcano of the Andes, of which, it is said, there
are near\y forty scattered over that mountainous chain.

t The Quebradas of the Andes are immense chasms by which
many of the mountains are separated from each other ; some of
these chasms are nearly a mile deep, and their sides almost per-
pendicular ; they are, nevertheless, frequently adorned with
trees, shrubs, and flowers. Natural, as well as artificial
bridges, are occasionally seen over the.se deep and yawning
lacerations ; sometimes, too, a torrent rolls down their winding
jaws, adding, of course, to the sublimity of the scene : nor does
the occasional presence of the Condor detract from the astound-
insr picture.

WHIP-POOR-WILL — NIGHT-HAWK. 315

With beak black, and bent at the tip ting'd with white ;
With an eye that commands both the day and the

night ;
With wing nervous, expansive, and tint of black -brown;
With legs and feet squamous, carunculate crown ;
Throat naked ; back dark ; and with claws black and

strong ;
Evincing the signs that to power belong; —
Of the mountainous desert the lord, in whom fear
And imperial command both united appear ; —
He look'd round from his Rock, over sea, over shore.
And over the Dell too— that proud Zumeadore.

beset with long, thick, elastic bristles; plumage above varie-
gated with black, pale cream-brown, and rust-colour ; back
darker ; breast and belly mottled, and streaked black and
yellow ochre. Ei'gs two, marbled with dark olive. Inhabits
many parts of North America, most plentifully in Kentuckey.
The notes of this bird are similar to the words whip-poor-will,
whence it has obtained its name; it is heard very often in the
night. Rarely seen during the day, unless attendant on its
young. Feeds on moths, grass-hoppers, and insects. In Penn-
sylvania it is a migratory bird, proceeding to the South in
winter. — Wilson.

Waterton says that the goat-suckers of South America
perch longiludmally on trees, and not crosswise like other
birds ; this is also stated by Wilson in regard to the Americanusy
or Night-Hawk, called in Virginia, and some of the Southern
districts of the American States, a Bat.

According to Wilson, the only goat-suckers found in the
United States are the preceding, Whip-poor-will ; the
Carolinensis, or Chuck-wills-widow; and the AmericanuSf or
Night-Hawk, which is, I believe, the same as the Virginianus,
described above ; these are all migratory birds.

P2

316 FOREIGN BIRDS.

Around him the Vultures obediently flew :
The Crested, the Aura, and Aquiline too :
And even the Papa of beautiful dyes,
With /n^r^M vies pendulous, glossy pearl eyes —
Of royal external that homage might bring —
A subject was here, although elsewhere a King.

The Parrots* presented a numerous host;
The Petrels were few, just arrived on the coast.
The HuMMiNG-BiRDs (^) gaudily glow'd midst the

throng,
In their green and their gold as they flutter'd along ;

(3) Order, Pic^, {Linn.) Humming-Bird, the Red-
throated, the Supercilious, the Least.

The genus Trochilus, (Linn.) or Humming-bird, consisis
of above ninety species, found, chiefly, in the tropical regions
of America and the West Indies; indeed, it has been stated, that
no humming-bird has ever been seen in the old world ; one,
however, has been mentioned as an inhabitant of the Cape of
Good Hope. About half the species has a curved, the other
a straight bill, which is subulate, filiform, and tubular at the tip,
the upper mandible sheathing the lower ; the tongue is also
filiform, the two threads coalescing, tubular. This genus is the
least in size of the race of birds. They feed, it is said, on the
nectar of flowers; but there is reason for believing, from the
statement of Wilson in regard to the Redthroated'humming-
hirdy that they feed also on small inserts. They are almost
continually on the wing, fluttering like bees, and making a
humming noise, whence their name. Of all animated beings,
these birds are the most elegant and brilliant ; their plumage

• For a description of the Pari ot, see forward.

THE HUMMING-BIRD. 317

Of nectar they sipp'd from the sweet smelling flower ;
Or, seizing, abridg'd the small insect's brief hour,
There was one of large size, of rich plumage, Red

Throat,
Distinguished by chirping a grass-hopper note ;

being adorned with innumerable shades of colour, in which the
emerald, the rnhy, and tlie topaz are gracefully intermixed.
Their nest is cnriously constructed, and attached sometimes to
two leaves, or to a single twig of the citron or orange; it is pe-
culiarly neat and small ; eggs two, white, about the size of a
pea; time of incubation twelve days.

It has been said that these birds cannot be tamed ; this is,
however, in regard to some of them at any rate, a mistake.
Wilson mentions having kept one of the Red-throated Humming-
birds in confinement for three months. It is said, nevertheless,
that they are neither shy nor suspicious ; that they are caught
by the Indians on limed twigs, and that, when taken, they in-
stantly expire, and are afterwards worn as ear-rings by the
Indian ladies. That some of them should expire when caught
on limed twigs is not to be wondered at when the delicacy of
these birds is considered ; but that they instantly expire if
taken with suitable precaution, is quite incredible. Some
have been kept alive by syrups for a few weeks; and, probablyy
were we better acquainted with their proper food, their pre-
servation alive would be more certain and continued. That
they sometimes feed on insects is confirmed by Waterton, and
it is said that small insects have been found in them on dis-
section. The following are all we can name :

The Colubris, or Red-tiiuoated Hu.mming-bird, is three
inches and half long ; back, upper part of the neck, sides, under
the wings, tail coverts, and two middle feathers of the tail, a
rich golden green ; tail and wings a deep brownish purple.
Nest one inch in diameter and the same in depth. Eggs two,
white. From the drawing given of it in Wilson's Amei'lcan

318 FOREIGN BIRDS.

And one of form tiny might, too, be there seen,
Much less than a bee, deck'd in elegant green ;
But of gay, eastern Sun-Birds, ("*) in robes bright

and fair,
And of manners congenial, not one was found there :

Ornithology it appears similar to the goldfinch's, but, of course,
much smaller and neater. The note of this bird is a single chirp,
not louder than the grasshopper. It has been kept in confine-
ment in the United States for months : it is a mistake to sup-
pose that it feeds only on the nectar of flowers ; it feeds also on
insects. This bird is very fond of the flowers of the plant
called Balsamum noli me tangere, or Touch-me-not. It is found
in most of the warm and tropical regions of America. This
description is taken from Wilson's work; the bird is, I sus-
pect, the MoschituSf or Ruby-necked Humming-bird of
some other writers.

The Superciliosus, or Supercilious Hummingbird, is one
of the largest of the tribe, being nearly six inches long, and in-
habits Cayenne. The Minimus^ or Le.vst-Hummingbird,
is green ; smaller than several of our bees, hardly a quarter of
an inch long ; weighs about twenty grains ; found in Brazil.
See note (42,) part 1, article Golden-crested-Wren.

(*) Tenuirostres, Cinnj/rirffC, (Vigors); or, to anglicize the
terms, CiNNYRiD Tenuirosts — Sunbirus.

The genus some time since established by Cuvier, and de-
nominated by him Cinnyris, has been lately brought into no-
tice in consequence of Mr. Vigors having arranged it as a
sub-family in his Tenuirostres ; and also by his having excited
the public attention to this group of birds in his late Lectures
at the Zoological Society. According to their habits, size, and
the statements of Mr. Vigors, they appear to supply the place
in the old world, of that numerous, airy, and splendid race of
birds in the new, so well known and so much admired under the

SUN-BIRDS.

319

They the odorous groves of the Orient Isles,

And the Hindoostan gardens, e'er greet with their smiles.

name of Humming-birds, or, to anglicize a Vigorsean tenttf
Trochilids. They are now, it seems, called in this country
by llie trite name of Sun birds. By whom this term was first
applied, or for what reason, I do not know, but presume from
the splendour of their colours. One of their characteristics
(besides of course being Tenuir^osts) is that of feeding on the
nectar of flowers. The genus Cinnyris is included in Tem-
minck's Nectarinia.* I have not been able to obtain so satisfac-
tory an account of it as I could wish. The following species I,
however, find described in Dr. Latham's great work.

The Lon^iros^ia, (Linn. Transact, vol. xiv.) Certhia Longi-
rostra, (Lath.) or Long-billed-Creeper, is five inches long,
the bill an inch and half; the tongue is long and missile; crown
and back behind light green; back, wings, and tail, dusky,
edged with olive green ; neck before, and breast, white ; belly
and vent pale yellow ; legs bluish. Found in Bengal, where it
perches on the rich flowers of Indian plants, and darting its
tongue into the calyx extracts the sweets. Inhabits also Java,
where it is called Prist Andun. The Java species is larger and
more brightly coloured.

The Affinis (hma. Transact, vol. xiii.) Anthophagus Oliva-

* Since this volume has been in the press, my attention lias
been called to the splendid work of M. Temminck on Birds,
now publishing at Paris in large folio, with finely executed en-
gravings, accurately and most carefully delineated, and coloured
after nature. This work is esteemed by our ornithologsts as a
very valuable addition to the science: as far as I have had an
opportunity of examining it, I can bear my willing testimony to
its merits, particularly in regard to the engravings. The
Manual of Ornithology of this author is, of course, well known to
the scientific. Both woiks are written in the French language.

320 FOREIGN BIRDS.

From the Papuan Isles in magnificence bright.
Came the Paradise Birds (') at once lustrous and
light;

ceus, (Lath.) Olive-Honev-Eater, or Olive- Creepei\ is four
inches long ; bill half an inch long, black; plumage above dull
olive-green, inclining to brown on the forehead and crown ;
beneath grey-brown ; around the eyes whitish ; quills and tail
brown, with an olive-green tinj;e ; the two outer feathers
-white at the ends; legs pale brown. Inhabits Madagascar and
Java. Individuals found in the last-named place are olive, va-
riegated beneath with dull brown-grey; outer tail feathers
white at the ends.

Many others of this tribe of birds have been exhibited, by far
more splendid and smaller than these ; but I have at present no
means of obtaining an accurate description of them.

(5) Okder, ViCMi(Linn.) Birds of Paradise,

The genus Paradisea, {Linn.) or BiRD-OF-pARADistr,
consists of tvienty tpecies ; the bill is covered with a belt of
downy feathers at the base; feathers of the Mdes very long;
two of the tail feathers naked. They are inhabitants of New
Guinea, the Papuan Islands, or Islands of the Indian ocean.
The following aie some of the most remarkable. The habits of
this tribe of birds do not, however, appear to be yet very ac-
curately known.

The Apodu, or Greater-Paradise-Bird, is of a chesnut
colour ; neck beneath green gold ; feathers on the sides
longer than the body; two middle tail feathers long, bristly.
Another variety of a smaller size. Inhabits the islands near
New Guinea; feeds, it is said, on moths and butterflies;
flies, it is aL^o reported, in flocks, with a leader at the
head, making a noise like the thrush. The strangest and most

THE BIRD-OF-PARADISE. o21

Of whom hath cupidity artful and bold,
Yet in mystery's cant, many falsities told.

improbable tales were formerly related concerning this bird.
Thus sings Camoens :

" The golden birds that ever sail the skies,
Here to the sun display their shining dyes;
Each want supplied on air tliey ever soar ;
The grouud they touch not till they breathe no more."
The LusiAu, by Mickle,

From their food being moths and butterflies, and, perhaps,
the nectar of flowers, they are doubtless a good deal on the
wing ; but there appears no reason whatever to suppose that
their maimer of incubation and resting is different from other
birds.

The most remarkable features of this species are about forty
or fifty long feathers, which spring from each side below the
wing, and, mingling below the tail, augment the apparent size of
the animal, without adding any thing to its weight. It is about
the size of a thrush, but its feathers make it appear much larger
than that bird. In some parts of India, the feathers fetch a
great price, being worn as ornaments of dress.

niese birds were formerly brought to this country without
feet, the policy of the foreign dealers in them most probably in-
duced the abstraction of those signs which lead very often to
the habits and manners of the bird. Hence also the more ready
belief in the tales propagated concerning them ; and hence, too^
the specific name Apoda, without feet, very improperly applied
to these birds by European naturalists.

The Regia, or KiNG-of the-BiRDs-OF-pARADiSE, is a ches-
nut-purple, beneath whitish ; a green-gold band on the breast ;
from five to seven inches long; solitary. Inhabits the same
countries as the last.

p3

322 FOREIGN BIRDS.

The Honey-Guide-Cuckoo, from Africa came ;
TheFLAMiNGo(^) look'dgayin his garments of flame.

(*) Order, Grall^, (Linn,) Flamingo, the Red, the
Chilese.

The genus Pikbnicopterus, (Linn.) or Flamingo, consists
of two species distinguished by having a naked toothed bill,
bent as if broken; the feet are four-toed, palmate, the mem-
branes semicircular on the forepart.

The Ruber, Flamingo, or Red-Flamingo, is a very remarkable
bird, with a body less than that of a goose; but when erect, is
six feet high from the tip of the toe to the bill, which is seven
inches long, partly red, partly black, and partly crooked ; it per-
petually twists its head round when eating, so that the upper man-
dible touches the ground. The legs and thighs are slender, not
thicker than the fore-finger of a man, yet two feet long ; the
neck is also slender, and three feet long. From this extraordi-
nary shape, it is able to wade in water to the depth where its
food is to be found. The feet are webbed, though it seldom
uses them for swimming. Length from bill to tail four feet
four inches. The plumage is not less remarkable than its figure,
much of it being of a bright flame-colour, whence its name.
Found both in the new and old continents, but in not more than
about forty degrees either north or south from the equator. It
is found on almost every shore of the Mediterranean — Spain,
Italy, &c.; and in every district of Africa, to the Cape of
Good Hope ; in South America, and the West Indies. The
nest is made of earth, rising about twenty inches above the
water, which always covers its base; the top of this is a little
hollowed out for the reception of the eggs, which are two,
white, size of a goose'?, upon which the female sits and hatches,
perched, as it were, upon her rump, with her legs hanging down
like a man silting upon a stool. This peculiar posture is ne-
cessary during her incubation, in consequence of the very great
length of the legs. The young never exceed three in number.

THE FLAMINGO — THE TAYLOR-BIRD. 323

The Taylor-Bird, (^) too, left his leafy sew'd nest.
To pay his respects to the King of the West;

These birds are gregarious, and are occasionally tamed in
their native climates, and mingle with other poultry, but they
never thrive in such a state. They atFord a fine down, equal
to swan's down ; flesh, by some persons, esteemed.

The negroes of Africa hold this bird in superstitious venera-
tion ; hence they do not permit it to be destroyed, although,
from its numbers and its noise, it is extremely troublesome. It
feeds on shell-fi-h, aquatic insects, and the spawn of tish.

The Flamingo was well knov\n to the ancients under the
name of Pkcenicopterus ; its flesh was a dish among the luxu-
rious Romans ; Apicius is said by Fliny to have discovered
the exquisite relish of this bird's tongue, and a new method of
seasoning it !

" Evening came on : arisinj^ from the stream
Homeward the tall Flamingo wings his flight ;
And when he sails athwart the setting beam
His scarlet plumage glows with deeper light !"

South EV's Curse of Kehama — the Separation.
I take the present opportunity of expressing the great plea-
sure which the perusal of that highly imaginative and melodious
poem, the Curse of Kehuma, has afforded mc.

The Chilensis, or Chilese-Flamingo, has the quill feathers
white ; bill covered with a reddish skin ; head subcrested ;
five ftet long from the bill to the claws. Inhabits Chili.

(7) Order, Passeres, (Linn.) Taylor-Bird.
The Taylor- Bird, Taylor-Wr en, Taylor-Warbler, Molacilla
Sutoria, (Linn.) or Sylvia Sutoria, as it is called by Dr. Latham,
one of tiie numerous genus Warbler, is a very small bird,
being only about three inches and a half in length, and weighs
only about, it is said, three sixteenths of an ounce ; the plu-
mage above is pale olive-yellow; chin and throat yellow;

324 FOREIGN BIRDS.

The restless Black-Skimmer (^) swept often along ;
And the Barbet(5') was heard with his turtle-dove
song.

breast and belly dusky- white. It inhabits India, and particu-
larly ihe I.-'land of Ceylon ; it constructs a very cnrions nest by
sewing the edges of one cr more leaves together, so as to form a
conical repository for its eges and young; the ejigs are white,
not much larger than what are called ants' eggs. For further
paiticulars concerning this biid's nest, see the Introduction.

(8) Ohder, Ansehes, (Linn.) Skimmer.

The genus Rhynchops, (Ltww.) or Skimmer, consists of one

species only,

The NigrOy Bi ack-Skimmer, Breaker, Cutter, or Skippog,

The bill is straight, the upper mandible much shorter than the

under; size of the black guillemot; length eighteen inches;

breadth three feet ; tail foiked ; body blackish, beneath white;

front and chin white; wings with a transverse white band;

legs red. Another variety tawny. This bird is perpetually
•flying about and skimming over the water, out of which it

scoops small fish with its lower mandible. Inhabits all
South America, and the southern parts of North America,
and also the East Indies. Nest a mere hollow in the
sand ; eggs three, white, with large round blackish spots, others
like pale Indian pink. They lay near to each other, in societies
of from lo to 20 pairs ; half a bushel of eggs have been col-
lected in New Jersey within the compass of half an acre; ,they
have a fishy taste, but are nevertheless eaten. Voice narsh
and screaming. This bird is migratory in New Jersey.

(9) Order, Vicm, (Linn.) Barbet, the Beautiful, the
Yellow-cheeked, &c.

The genus Bucco, (Linn.) or Barbet, comprehends twenty-
nine species, chiefly inhabitants of Guiana, and found almost
universally in warm climates. The bill is strong, straiglitisb.

THE BARBET THE IBIS.

325

There too was seen, hovering over the shore,
The Ibis (*°) that Egypt once pleas'd to adore;
The Curlew in Scarlet with richest tints glow'd,
And the Canvass-back-Duck on the waters proud
rode :

nearly covered with bristles ; it is a very stupid genus. The
following are all I can notice :

The ZeylonicuSf or Yellow-cheeked-Barbet, is five and a
half inches long; sits on trees, and murmurs or coos hke a
turtle-dove, but louder. Inhabits Ceylon.

The Eleguns^ or Beautiful-Barbet, is green, head and
chin red, edged with blue ; quill feathers brown ; throat and
breast yellow, the latter spotted with red; belly yellow, spotted
with green ; size of a sparrow. Inhabits the shores of the
Amazon. The Tamatia, or Spotted-bellied Barbet, is
above taviny brown, beneath tawny white, spotted with black;
six and a half inches long. Inhabits Cayenne and Brazil. Flesh
insipid.

The PhiUppensh, a native of Java, has its notes conveyed by
the word Ingku. Horsfield.

('») Order, Grall^, (Linn.) Ibis, the Egyptian, the Wood,
the Scarlet, the Glossy, &c.

Tlie genus Tantalus, {Linn,) or Ibis, consists of more than
thirty species scattered over the warmer climates of the globe.
The bill is long, subulate, rounded, and subarched; face naked;
tongue short, broad; jugular pouch naked; feet four-toed,
palmate at the base. The following are the chief:

Tliclbisyor Egyptian-Ibis, has the face red, bill pale yellow;
quill feathers black ; body whitish-rufous. From thirty to forty
inches long. Inhabits, in vast numbers, the lower parts of
Egypt. This bird, so faithful in its native country, was made thp
emblem of it. Its figure, which is wrought on all the ancient
Egyptian monuments, represents Egypt, where divine honours

326

FOREIGN BIRDS.

The Egret, the Great, and the Little, milk white.
Their pinions displayed 'midst a splendour of light.
'Mongst the Eagles, the Crested a denizen here,
Were many rapacious whose looks begat fear.

were paid to it by the superstitious inhabitants. This bird
feeds on locnsts, caterpillars, and serpents; and, it is said, even
after it is satiated, it still continues occupied in destroying
these noxious animals. The intention, therefore, of the Egyptian
rulers in rendering this bird sacred, was, doubtless, to preserve
and to inutiply so useful an animal. So sacred was it held,
that dried skeletons of it have been found preserved as mum-
mies. As a drawback from this statement, it should be also ob-
served, that many other birds, such as storks, kites, and vultures,
are hostile to serpents, and the figures on their hieioglyphics do
not appear sufficiently defined, so that this kind of bird may be
determined with exactness : certain, however, it is, that for-
merly, in Egypt, the killing of this bird was held as a capital
crime.

The LoculatoTy or Wood-Ibis, has a bluish face ; the bill red-
dish, nine inches long ; the body white ; legs, quill, and tail-
feathers, black. Two other varieties. Three feet long. In-
habits New Holland, and the warmer parts nf America ; slow in
flight, and stupid ; feeds on fruit, fishes, and reptiles j flesh good.
The LeucocephaluSf or White-headed-Ibis, has the head,
neck, and body, white ; bill and face yellow ; legs pale flesh-
colour ; rump with long rosy feathers; the largest of the tribe.
Inhabits India.

The Ruber f Scarlet-Ibis, Scarlet -Curlew , or Red- Curlew, is
a beautiful bird, found in most parts of America, within the
tropics; the whole plumage a rich glowing scarlet, except the
extremities of the four outer quill feathers, which are of a deep
steel blue ; length twenty-three inches ; sits on trees, bnt.lays
its greenish eggs on the ground. The young bird*, when first

THE GLOSSY-IBIS — THE ANI. 327

The social and singular Ani (") was there.
In whose nest many females obtain oft a share.
The fleet Courier-Pheasant ran swiftly along;
With a serpent the Crested immers'd in the throng.

hatched, are said to be black, then grey, then whitish, and,
lastly, scarlet.

The Igneus, or Glossy-Ibis, has the head and neck black ;
bill and legs green ; body varied with glossy-blue, blackish-
green, green and claret; beneath dark rufous; quill and tail
feathers green-gold ; thirteen inches long -, inhabits Russia :
was once shot in Cornwall ; it has also been seen in I^forfolk.

(") Order, Picm, (Linn.) Ani, the Lesser, the Greater,
the Varied, the Walking.

The genus Crotophaga, or Ani, consists of four species,
all natives of South America ; they have a compressed semi-oval
arched bill, carinate on the back ; upper mandible angular at
each edge ; nostrils pervious. They are as follow:

The Aniy or Lesser-Ani, is blackish violet, feet formed for
climbing ; thirteen and a half inches long ; gregarious, many
females laying in the same nest, each taking care of its own
brood ; eggs sea-green, spotted towards the ends ; feeds on
fruits, seeds, worms, and insects; picks out the acarus, or tick,
from the backs of cattle infested with it, for which purpose it is
said they will lie down spontaneously. The Major, or Greater-
Ani, is also blackish-violet, the feathers edged with green;
quill feathers dusky green ; feet scansorial like the last ; length
eighteen inches ; docile and easily tamed ; inhabits Cayenne.
The Variaj or Varied-Ani, is varied with black and red ; feet
scansorial ; eleven inches long. The Amhulatoria, or VValking-
Ani, has the feet ambulatory ; except in the structure of the
feet, is like the last ; inhabits Surinam.

328 FOREIGN BIRDS.

Rice-Buntings, andTuRNSTONES ingenious abound;
And Bee-Eaters, ('*) Beef-Eaters, {'^) some were
there found »

('«) Order, Pjce, (Linn.) Bee-Eater, the Common, the
Indian.

The genus Merops, (Linn.) or Bee-Eater, contists of more
than forty species, one only of which, the Apiaster, or Common-
Bee-Eater, is found in this country. The characteristics of
this tribe are a curved, quadrangular, compressed, carinate,
pointed bill j tongue slender, the tip (generally) jagged ; feet
gressorial. They are scattered over India, Africa, and the
South of Europe.

The Apiaster, or Common-Bee-Eater, from which the rest
of the species do not essentially differ, derives its name from
subsisting chiefly on bees, wasps, and other insects, which, like
the swallow, it catches when on the wing. The head and neck
of this bird are chesnut ; upper part of the body pale yellow,
with reflections of green and chesnut ; the lower parts azure,
brightening towards the tail; bill black, quadrangular, a little
bent and sharp at the point ; length ten inches. Digs deep holes
in sandy banks, where it lays from five to seven white eggs ; gre-
garious, found not only in England, but many other parts of
Europe, as well as in Asia and America. There is another va-
riety, having a convex instead of a carinate bill, and in which
the toes are not connected, as far as the third joint.

The Rufus, or Rufous -Bee-Eater, is eight inches and half
long; plumage in general rufou«, deeper on the upper parts, in-
clining to yellow beneath ; builds a curious nest. See the Intro-
duction. Eggs four, white, spotted with rufous. Song trifling.
Found at Buenos Ay res, and on the River Plate.

The Bee-Eater is said to be migratory in this country ; but,
although occasionally seen here in the summer season, its nest
has never, I believe, been discovered. It is said to be plenti-
ful, and to breed in the southern parts of Russia.

BXE-EATER BEEF-EATER — HONEY-EATER. 329

From far Polynesid's Taheitian grove,

Where, 'midst Flora's rich realm is his pleasure to rove,

In his glossy green-black came the Poe-bird (*♦)

bright,
Whose plumage and note afford equal delight.

One of the handsomest of the tribe is the Viridis, or Indian-
Bee Eater, of a green colour, with a black belt on the breast
and the throat, and tail of the same hue; of this there are
several varieties, inhabitants of Bengal.

('3) Order, Pic^,(Liwn.) Beef-Eater.

The genus Buphaga, {Linn.) or Beef-Eater, consists of
two species only, distinguished by a straight somewhat square
bill, mandible gibbous, entire, more gibbous on the outside ;
legs gressorial. The Africana^ African-Beef-Eater, or
African- Oxpeckeif is eight and a half inches long; picks
holes in the backs of cattle, for the purpose of getting at tlie
larva of the gad fly ; feeds also on insects ; found near the river
Senegal in Africa, and parts within the Cape of Good Hope.

The Striped-Beef-Eater is the size of the former ; a spe-
cimen is in the museum of Mr. Bullock.

(^*) Order, Pic^e, (Lath.) Honey-Eater, the Po'e, the
Great-Hook-Billed, the Hook-billed, «&c.

ThegenusANTHOPiiAGUs,(La//i.) or Honey-Eater, consists
of seventy species ; they have a bill somewhat triangular at the
ba^e, and more or less bent at the tip; nostrils rounded, partly
covered by a membrane ; tongue more or less extensile, formed
for collecting haney from flowers, which is supposed to be their
principal food ; legs made for walking. This genus is also di-
vided by Dr. Latham into those with thrush-like bills, and those
tcith creeper bills. The following are examples of each :

Tlie Cincinnatus, (Lath.) Foe-Honey-Eateu, Poe-Bee-Ealer,
Poe Bird, or Kogo, with a thrush-like bill, is rather larger than

330 FOREIGN BIRDS.

Many Eaters of Honey, flowers flutter'd among ;
While others seem'd charm'd with the Poe-hird's song.

a blackbird ; length eleven inches ; plumage deep greenish-
black, in many parts very glossy ; greater wing coverts white ;
tail coverts a rich blue ; tail same as the body ; neck feathers
fine, long, somewhat curled, and standing from the neck like a
ruff} a white tuft of curled feathers on each side of the neck.
The term Po'c is said to be the Otaheitan word for ear-ring,
whence its name. This bird is said to be as remarkable for the
sweetness of its note as it is for the beauty of its plumage ; flesh
delicate food ; inhabits New Zealand and the South Sea
Islands ; and particularly Otaheiti ; or, as the inhabitants
themselves call it, Taheety, or Taheity. This island lies in lati>
tude 18^ South, and in the loO^'^ degree of West longitude; it is
beautiful, well wooded, and affords support to many inhabi-
tants. The celebrated Bread Fruit-Tree, Artocarpxis incisa^
is indigenous here ; it is about the size of a moderate oak ; the
leaves are oblong, and often a foot and half in length ; they, in
colour and thickness, resemble those of the fig, exuding a milky
juice on fracture. The fruit is about the size of a new-born
child's head. The eatable part, which lies between the skin
and core, is as white as snow, and of the consistence of new
bread. It is prepared for eating in various ways.

The Great-Uooked-billed-Honey-Eater, or Great-
Hook-billei)-Creeper, (Certhia pacifica,) with a creeper-like-
hill, is eight inches long; plumage above black, lower parts of
the back, rump, and upper tail coverts, a tine deep yellow ;
beneath dusky ; shoulders, inner ridge of the wing, and part of
the coverts, yellow ; quills and tail black; inhabits the Friendly
Islands in the South Seas ; called at Owhyhee, Hoohoo.

The Hooked-billed-Honey-Eater, (Certhia Ohscura,)
may also be mentioned as a curious species. For another
Honey- Eater f see pages 31 9, 320, Cinnyris affinis.

331
THE POE-BIRD'S SONG.

A nthophagus Cincinnatus. — (Lath . )

Taheity! Taheity!

The Poe-bird's home,
Taheity! Taheity!

Who from thee would roam ?

Taheity! Taheity!

Far over the sea !
When, when shall return

Thy own bird unto thee ?

Taheity! Taheity!

All strangers I see ;
When shall I behold

Those I love, know, and thee ?

Taheity! Taheity!

Thy groves and thy shade,
Thy mountains, thy vales,

For affection were made.

Taheity ! Taheity ! —

Thy Mahie* to see !
Oh, when shall return

Thy own bird unto thee ?

* rUe ISread- Fruit 'Tree f so called by the natives of Otaheite.

332 FOREIGN BIRDS.

Not in woodlands apart from the rest of the crowd,
Where the dark vested trees many warblers oft shroud;
Not unheard and unseen, far from dwellings of men,
Pour'd the Blue-Bird {^^) his notes in the wild forest

glen;
But, the dear mellow harmonist seemM to delight
In all that was social, and chearful, and bright:
Artless chorister ! he, in his elegant suit.
Thus tastefully touch'd the sweet strings of his lute.

(•5) Order, PAssEREs,(La<ft.)BLUE-BiRD,or Blue-Warbler.
The Sylvia sialis, BruE-BiRD, or Blue-Warbler, .is six
inches and three quarters long ; above a rich sky-blue, with
purple reflections; throat, neck, breast, and sides partially
under the wings, chesnutj beneath white ; inhabits the United
States, Mexico, Brazil, and Guiana; eggs five or six, pale blue ;
feeds on insects and berries. It is much troubled with a species
of tape worm ; most other birds, it is said, are also pestered
with these animals. The spring and summer song of this bird is
a soft, agreeable, and ott repeated, waible. In its motions and
general character has a great resemblance to the redbreast ;
like him in this country, the blue-bird is known to almost every
child in the United States. The cowpen lays its egg sometimes
in the nest of this bird. See the Note on the Cowpen, for-
ward ; and also the Address to the Blue-Bird.

" When winter's cold tempests and snows are no more,

Green meadows and brown furrow'd fields re-appearing ;
The fishermen hanlmg their shad to the shore.

And cloud-cleaving geese to the lakes are a-steering;
When first the lone butterfly flits on the wing;

When red glow the maples so fresh and so pleasing,
O then comes the Blue-Bird, the Herald of Spring !
And hails with his warbling the charms uf the season.''

Wilson's American Ornitholcgy,

333

THE BLUE-BIRD'S SONG.

Sylvia Sialis. — (Lath.)

Free from sorrow, free from strife,
What is like domestic life ?
Over mountain, over hill,
Vagrant birds may wander still ;
I, contented, will not roam ;
Sweet are the delights of Home !

Seek thou glory's smguine field ; —
Seek whatever fame may yield ; —
Seek thou honour, seek thou wealth —
Seek, still seek, and squander health ; —
I, contented, will not roam ;
Sweet are the delights of Home !

Home ! thy magic circles round
What of peace on earth is found ;
Love — affection — friendship — all
'ihat the virtues we may call.
I, contented, will not roam ;
Sweet are the delights of Home !*

* " There is a magic in that little word,
It is a mystic circle that surrounds
Comforts and \irtues, never known beyond
The hallowed limit."

South fcv's Hymns to the Penates.

834

TO THE BLUE-BIRD.

Sylvia Sialis, — (Lath.)

" In far Columbian climes
The Blue-bird, that domestic sylviad, he
Whom youth, whom age, whom infancy respects,
Affords sincere delight what time the spring
He wakens with his gentle melodies."

From an unpublished Poem.

Bird cerulean ! Bird of Spring !
Listen while the strain I sing.
When nature clad in robes of green
Amidst her woodland haunts is seen ; —
When trees and flowers pour out their bloom,
And fling abroad a rich perfume.
Then, then thy softest, sweetest note
On zephyr's wave is heard to float ; —
All things look fair, rejoicing, bright —
Children of hope and high delight;
While infancy enraptur'd views
Thy beauty ting*d with purple hues.

Bird cerulean ! Bird of Spring !

Listen while the strain I sing.
Thy spring shall pass, thy summer fly,
And autumn quit thee with a sigh ;
At length, the winter's howling gust
Shall dash thy pleasures to the dust ;

TO THE BLUE-BIRD. 335

But soon again thy hope shall rise,
And spread her wing o'er vernal skies ;
Thy song of softest, sweetest note,
On zephyr's wave again shall float.

Bird cerulean ! Bird of Spring !

Listen while the strain I sing,
Man hath his foes and so hast thou ;
What time beneath the waving bough
Thy humble home is recent made,
The Cowpen may thy peace invade.
Audacious bird ! uncourtly guest !
Too idle to construct a nest!
Alas ! who must not bend to power ?
Even birds, within their little hour.
From tyrant birds shall suffer still
As man from some superior's will :
Who does not sometimes nurture those.
As thou, who prove the deadliest foes ?

Bird cerulean! Bird of Spring,

Listen while the strain I sing.
All, all is change throughout the earth !
Joy follows sorrow, sadness mirth,
And when distress pursues the mind.
Relief, perchance, is close behind.
Sweet Bird I Columbia's gentle pride.
Whose doors for thee are open wide,
Still warble thou thy softest song ;
To thee all pleasing strains belong ;

Bird cerulean! Bird of Spring!

Listen while the strain I sing.
1

336 FOREIGN BIRDS,

The Man-of-War-Bird, ('^) with a fish in his
mouth,
Look'd grotesque as he heavily rose from the south ;

('<S) Order, Anseres, (Linn.) Ai.uatross, the Wandering,
the Chocolate, the Sooty, the Man-of-War-Bird.

The genus Diomedea, (Linn.) or Albatross, consists of
four species, distinguished by a straight bill, the upper mandible
hooked at the point, the lower truncate ; nostrils oval, wide,
prominent, lateral ; tongue very small; feet four toed, all placed
forwards, palmate. They are as follow :

The Exulans, Albatross, fVanderivg- Albatross, or Man-of-
H'or-Bird, is from three and a half lo four feet long ; its general
colour is white; back and wings with white lines; bill pale-
yellow, legs flesh-colour ; quill feathers black ; tail rounded,
lead-colour; wings, when extended, from ten to thirteen feet ;
inliabits most seas, but chiefly within the tr(>pic.s; rarely flies
at a great distance from the water, unless obliged to do so by
high winds; seen sometimes in the southern ocean, six or seven
hundred leagues from land.

Eggs numerous, larger than those of a goose, the white not
hardened by boiling; the flesh i< tough, but occasionally eaten.
The cry of this bird is haish and brayinif. It sometimes swal-
lows a salmon of such leiigth that th(^ whole cannot enter its
stomach, the tail part hanging out of its mouth. At such tinies
it is easily knocked down and killed; but, at other times, it
makes a stout resistance. Tlie male watches the female while
sitting, and supplies her with food. The large intestine is used
in some countries as a floating bladder to buoy up tishiug nets ;
the bones are employed by some of the South Sea Islandeis for
tobacco pipes, needle cases, and other trinkets. As scon as the
young of this bird leave the nest, the Penguin takes possession
of it, and hatches its young in turn.

The Spadiccu, or Cijocolate-Aleatross, has the body a

I

THE COW-BUNTING. 337

The Chocolate-Albatross came from Chung-

Kwo ;*
And another, the Sooty, from regions of snow.
The CowpEN (*') too came, who, for reasons unknown,
Will never construct any house of her own ;
Like the Cuckoo, content is this bird of the west
To deposit her egg in another bird's nest :

deep cliesnut brown ; face and wings, beneath whitish; another
variety entirely grey-brown. The first, three feet long, inha-
bits the Pacific Ocean ; the second, two and a half feet long,
inhabits China. The Chlororhyncos, or Yei.low-nosed- Alba-
tross, is abont three feet long, and inhabits the Pacific Ocean.
The Fuliginosus, or Sooty-Albatross, is the size of the last ;
inhabits seas in the arctic circle.

All this tribe of birds nourish their younj; by discharging the
contents of their stomach.

For another Man of-War Bird see the note on the Pelican.

(■7) Order, Passeres, (Linn.) IJunting, the Cow, or

COWPEN-BIRD.

This bird, which is found in the United States of America,
and, probably, in many other places of the western world, is
called by Latham, Oriotus pecoris, or Cowpen-Oriole,
and by W J Lso ji, Emberizd pecoriSy Cow-Bunting, Coic-JB^fe-
birdf or Cowpen; it is, in consequence of its mode of laying its
egg, one of the most singular of the ornithological creation.
We are not yet sutBciently acquainted with its natural history ;
but, from that accurate observer, Wilson, wc learn the follow-
ing particulars :

It is seven inches long; the head and neck are of a
deep silky^drab colour; the upper part of the head is a change-
able violet ; the rest of the bird is black, with a considerable

• China.

338 FOREIGN BIRDS.

Wild wonder may gaze while proud science, in vain,
Attempts the anomaly strange to explain.

Of the Tikamou-Tribe* many visitors came ; —
One of robes citrine hue and distinguished by fame ;
The ViRGiNiATJ-QuAiL, and the Heath-hen were

there,
To whose singular figure what bird may compare ?

gloss of green when exposed to a good light. The most remarka-
ble trait in the character of this bird is that, like the Cuckoo,
it lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, instead of building a
nest and hatching for itself; and thns leaving its progeny to
the care of strangers. It only lays one egg in any one nest ;
it is rather larger than those of a blue-bird, thickly sprinkled
with grains of pale-brown on a dirty-white ground. It seems
to be less nice than the cuckoo in the choice of its nest; among
others, it lays in that of the Blue-Bird, tiie Chipping- Sparrow, the
Golden-Crowned-Thrush, the Red-Eyed-Fly-Catcher, and the
Maryland- Yellow-Throat, birds all well known in America, but
which are quite foreign to this country. It is said, too, that
the eggs or young of the fostering birds, in whose nest the cow-
bunting lays its egg, are ejected from the nest, and, of course,
destroyed ; but, whether by the hatched stranger, or by the
foster parents, has not been yet ascertained. This bird is mi-
gratory in the northern States of America: it appears in
Pennsylvania from the south at the end of March or eaily in
April; it winters in the Carolinas and Georgia. As it
does not appear in size and shape by any means so formida-
ble as the cuckoo, this extraordinary habit of laying its
egg in the nest of some birds equal, if not superior, to it in size,
is more singular than even that of the cuckoo, singular as both
of them undoubtedly are. See note (6,) p. 137, 138.

* For a description of the Great-Tinamou and the Pin-
nated-Grouse, or Heath-Hen, see note (36,) part I.

CRE&TED-GUAN YACOU — PIPING-CUR ASSOW. 339

There, too, Yacous (**) domestic and Guans were

seen ;
The last with brown back, and a body black-green.

('*) Order, Galling, {Lath.) Guan, Yagou, PipingCu-
RAssow, Marail.

The genus Penelope, (Lath.) to which the Guan, Penelope
cristatUyand the Yacou, Penelope cumanensis, belong, consists of
eleven species, distinguished by a bill naked, at the base
covered with feathers ; legs spurless. They are all inhabitants
of South America. The following are the chief:

The Cristata, or Crested-Guan, has the head with an erect
crest ; bill black ; body black-green j back brown ; neck,
breast, and belly, spotted with white ; legs red ; two feet and a
half long; they are often tamed, and make a noise not unlike
th6 sound of jacu, or rather, perhaps, yacow; flesh good; inhabits
Brazil and Guiana.

The Cumanensis, or Yacou, is blackish ; crest and first quill
feathers white ; body beneath speckled with white ; tail long ;
legs red ; size of a hen turkey ; erects its crest and spreads its
tail; builds on the ground and in low trees; inhabits Cayenne
and Guiana; at the former place it is tamed, becomes familiar,
and will mix with other poultry.

The Pipile, or Piping-Curassow, has the back brown,
spotted with black, the belly black; wing-coverts and first
quill-feathers white ; legs red ; voice weak, piping ; inhabits
with the last.

The Marilf or Marail, is greenish-black ; head crested ; in-
habits, in flocks, the woods of Guiana ; roosts in trees, upoa
whose fruit it feeds ; emits a harsh disagreeable cry.

Q2

340 FOREIGN BIRDS-

The Boat-bill ('^j was there, too, that feaster on fish;
And the Scarlet-Cotinga as bright as you wish.
Many Pompadour-Chatterers (*°) were seen in

the throng ;
Many Troupioles* warbled a sweet plaintive song.

('5>) Order, Grall^i:, (Linn.) Boat-bill, the Crested, the

WniTE-BELLItD.

ThegeniisCANCROMA, (Linn.) or Boat-bill, consists of two
species only ; it is characterized by a gibbous bill, shaped like
an inverted boat ; nostrils small, placed in a furrow ; tongue
small; toes divided; they inhabit South America.

The Coclilearia, or Crested-Boat-bill, is ash-colour ; the
belly rufous ; crown and lunule on ihe neck black ; bill brown ;
lores raked and blackish; crest long, pendulous, pointed ;"legs
yellowish, brown ; toes connected at the ba«e; length twenty-
two inches; perches on trees which hang over water, and darts
down on fishes as they swim underneath ; feeds also on crabs :
a second variety having the body spotted brown. The Cancro-
phagUf or White-eellied-Boat-bji.l, is also crested ; the
body rufous-brown ; belly whitish ; crown black ; by some
considered only a variety of the preceding, by others the female.

(^) Order, Passeres, (Linn.) Chatterer, Cotinga,
Bell-Bird.

The genus Ampelis, (Linn.) or Chatterer, comprehends
twenty-eight species, most of them natives of Africa or Ame-
rica, one or two of India; and one, the Ampelis GarruluSy or
Waxen Chatterer, found occasionally in this country; they
are distinguished by a straight, convex, subincurved bill, each

* See forwards. The Orioles, so called by the French ; I
should not have thought it necessary to introduce this term
Troupiole, had not Wateuton, used it very freely in his
Wanderings in South America: this unnecessary, as it appears to
me, introduction o(new names is greatly to be regretted.

THE WAXEN-CHATTERER— THE BELL-BIRD. 341

Aloud, too, was heard the Campanero's note,
As, afar o'er the dell, it seem'd frequent to float.

mandible notched ; nostrils covered with bristles ; tongue sharp,
cartilaginous, bifid ; middle toe connected at the base to the
outmost. The (bllowing seem most worthy of notice:

The Gavrulus, Waxen-Chatferer, European-Chattei'er^
Silk-Tail J Bohemian-IVax-lVingj ov Bohemian-Chattei'er^ in size
resembles a starling; the head is crested, which, and the upper
parts, are vivacious brown, dashed with ash-colour ; beneath
pale purplish ash-colour ; it is said to appear annually about
Edinburgh, and to feed on the berries of the mountain ash; it
is also said to breed in parts more northerly, and to form its
nest in the holes of rocks ; found also occasionally in the
southern parts of the kingdom.

The Carnifex, Red-Chatterer, or Scarlet-Cotingaj is seven
inches long ; crest, lower part of the back, rump, thighs, and
lower part of the belly bright crimson ; the rest of the plumage
dull red; inhabits South America; its cry like the word ouette.
Another, the Coccinea, is called Scarlet-Chatterer. Ano-
ther, the Militaris, the size of a crow, has the whole plumage
crimson, inclining to pompadour red; found in Guiana, but
scarce. And another, the Pompadoruj or Pompadour-Chat-
terer, has the plumage, in general, a fine glossy purplish red;
found also in Guiana.

The Variegata, or Variegated-Chatterer, called, occa-
sionally. Bell-bird, is eleven inches long; general colour of
the body pearly-white, inclining to dove on the back ; wings
black; from the chin to the middle of the breast, spring numerous
narrow flat and elongated fleshy appendages, about one inch
and a quarter in length; voice loud, and heard a great way oflF;
makes two kinds of noise, for about six weeks only, in the months
of December and January ; one like a hammer striking on a
wedge ; the other similar to the noise of a cracked bell; found
in South America, particularly Guiana.

342 V FOREIGN BIRDS. .^.7^/7/

The Wiiite-bellied-Darter(^*) his power display'd;
The Terns (") noisy, daring, of nought were afraid.

The CarM«ctt/afa, Caruncut.ateu-Chatterer, Bell-Bird,
or Campanero^ is twelve inches long ; the whole plumage in the
male white, in the female olive-green ; on the forehead a fleshy
caruncle or lube, nearly three inches long, which may be
erected at pleasure ; when filled with air it looks like a spire,
when empty it becomes pendulous like that of a turkey-cock ;
it is jet black, dotted all over with small white feathers; nest
on tall trees ; eggs four, greenish j voice so loud as to bo heard
for half a league ; Waterton says three miles! notes composed
of two syllables — /n, /!n, uttered in a drawling tone ; it has
been compared, as in the variegated species, to the sound of a
bell, and hence one of its names ; inhabits South America, par-
ticularly Guiana.

The Murasing-Chatterer is found at Calcutta.

C) Order, Anseres, (Limw.) Darter, Ahinga.

The genus Plotus, {Linn.) or Darter, consists of a very
few species ; five have been described ; they have a straight,
pointed, toothed bill; the nostrils with a little slit near the
base ; face and chin naked ; legs short ; all the toes connected ;
they have also a small head and slender neck, and are chiefly
seen in southern climates ; they live principally on fishes, which
they take by darting forward the head, while the neck is con-
tracted like the body of a serpent.

The AnhingUy White-bellied-Darter, Ahinga, or Snake-
bird, has the body above black ; belly white ; head, neck, and
breast, reddish-grey ; tail-feathers twelve, broad, long ; two
feet ten inches long ; inhabits Brazil, and many other parts of
America ; builds on trees ; when at rest sits with the head
drawn in between the shoulders ; flesh oily and rancid. The
Melanogaster, or Black-bellied-Darter, is three feet long;
inhabits Ceylon and Japan; three or four other varieties

THE GREATER-TERN. 343

The Noddy, too, sought, midst the sea-birds, delight;
The Larids in air look'd exultant and bright.

found in Cayenne and Senegal. The Surinamensis, or Surinam-
Darter, is thirteen inches long; has the head crested; the
belly white ; is domesticated ; feeds on fishes and insects ; is
very active ; inhabits Surinam ; Dr. Latham has arranged thi«
last nnder his genus Fin-foot, which see.

(*2) Order, Anseres, (Linn.) Tern, the Common, the Black,
the Lesser; the Sandwich; Noddy.

The genus Sterna, (Linn,) or Tern, comprehends between
forty and fifty species, four of which are found in this country ;
they have a subulate, straight, pointed bill; wings very long,
tail mostly forked ; feet small, webbed ; they are clamorous
and gregarious, assembling in large flocks; with us they are
migratory, leaving our shores regularly on the approach of
winter. The following are specimens:

The Hirundoj Common, Greater-Tern, Sea-Swallow, b»
Gull-Teazer, is fourteen inches long; the bill and legs red ; the
top of the head black; beneath the eyes, the neck, and all the
under parts, white ; back and wings of an ash-colour ; tail
forked and white, except the outer web of the exterior feathers ,
which is black ; it has a slender but eJegant form, most
beautiful plumage, and is the most active fisher of all the
aquatic tribe ; it is a noisy and restless bird, constantly on the
wing in search of insects or small fish ; but though web-footed,
is said never to swim or dive ; it is most commonly known by
the name of sea-swallow, its actions being similar to those of that
bird ; it is called guU-teazer on the south coast of Devonshire,
where it is frequently seen to pursue and persecute the lesser
gulls, till they disgorge their food, which it dexterously catches
before it reaches the water ; it comes to this country in the
spring; laying on our flat sandy shores three or four eggs, it is
said in sand, the size of a pigeon's, olivaceous brown, spotted

344 FOREIGN BIRDS.

CURA90AS Globose, C^) and the Crying, were there ;
And many Black Swans, that of yore were so rare,*

with dusky ; these are, it is also said, hatched without much at-
tention of the female. This species is found in great abundance
on the Canary Islands. It leaves this country on the approach
of winter.

The Fissipes, Black-Tern, Cloven-footed-Gullj Pease-Crow,
or Car-SicalloWf is less than the common-tern, but is similar in
its manner to that bird ; it breeds also in this country. The
Minnta, LeSser-Tern, Smallcr-Ttrnj Lesser- Sea- Swallow, or
Richel-B'trd, is the smallest of the tribe, not measuring more
than eight inches and half long; it is an elegant bird, and has
also the habits of the common-tern ; breeds in the same places,
but is far less numerous. The Canliaca, Sandwich-Tern,
Kumtschatka-Tern, or Cloven-footed-Gull, is the largest of the
British terns, being in length eighteen inches; it is a beautiful
bird, but by no means so plentiful as the other species j it is
said to breed on the coast of Kent, near Sandwich.

The Stolida, or Noddy, is also another species that may be
mentioned ; the body is black ; front whitish ; eye brown-
black ; hind head cinereous ; bill and legs black ; fifteen inches
long ; inhabits within the tropics.

(23) Order, Galling, {Lvrn.) Cura^oa, the Crested, the
Globose, the Cashew, the Crying.

The genus Crax, (Linn.) Cura^oa, Curassow, or Curasso,
consists of eight species, having the bill strong, thick, and the
base of each mandible covered with a cere; nostrils in the
middle of the cere; feathers covering the head revolute; tail
large,, straight, expansile: they are all inhabitants of South
America; the chief of which are as follow :

* Rara am in terris ni^roque sitnillima cygno.

Juvenul, Sat. vi.
See note (4,) part I.

THE CRESTED — THE CRYING CURA9OA. 345

On the waters were pleas'd their dark plumes to

display,
While elegant gracefulness waits on their way.

The AlectoVf Crested-Cura<joa, Curassowj Indian-Cock^
Pheasant-Cocky Hocco, or Pheasant-of -Guiana, sometimes called,
from the noise it makes, PowesCf has the cere yellow ; body
black ; belly white. Three other varieties, differing in the
colour of the cere or the belly. The females differ from the
males in their colours, but in no other external mark ; three feet
long ; feeds on fruitp, and roosts on trees ; inhaluts the moun-
tainous woods of South America ; flesh good. They are fre-
quently brought up tame in the Dutch settlements of Guiana.
They breed freely in the menageries of Holland, and have also
bred in this country, but the climate docs not seem sufficiently
warm for them.

The Gtobicerdj Globose-Cura^oa, or Curassow, has the
body blackish-blue, lower part of the belly white ; size of
the last ; inhabits Guiana. The Pauxi, or CASHEW-CuRApoA,
has the cere blue ; body blackish ; belly and tip of the tail
white ; size of the two preceding ; inhabits New Spain.

The Galeata, Galeated-Cura^oa, or Curassow, has the
crown with a horny cone ; body black ; nearly as large as a
turkey J inhabits the Island of Cura^oa. TheVociferans, Crwkg-
CURA90A, or Curassow, is brown ; belly whitish ; bill and breast
blue ; size of a coumion fowl ; a noisy clamorous bird; inhabits
the mountainous parts of Mexico.

It will be perceived at the commencement of this article, that
this genus has too often corrupted names applied to it ; I have
endeavoured to restore the true one, being Cura^oa, from the
island so called. The term Hocco is applied to this tribe of
birds by the French.

346 FOREIGN BIRDS.

From the fertile, moist meadow, palm grove pic-
turesque,

Came the splendid Toucans (**) with bills huge and
grotesque.

ToucANETs, mewing Cat-Birds, and Cocks of the
Rock,

All fearlessly mix'd with the feathery flock.

The Nigiit-Raven's note, Qua, was oft heard 'midst
the throng ;

The huge Adjutant stalk'd the grallators among.

(2+) Order, PiCiE, (Linn.) Toucan, tlie Yellow-breasted,
the Green, Toucan ets.

The genwa Ramphastos, CLinn.^ or Toucan, comprehends,
eighteen species, distinguished by an enormous convex bill,
which has a most grotesque appearance, being something like
the shape of a mask with a large and long nose, constructed to
surprise and frighten children ; the tongue is not less singular
than the bill, exactly resembling a feather shut up in a large
case. They belong to the scansorial tribe, and have, like the
parrots, two toes before and two behind. They make much
noise, particularly a hissing sound, which is heard at a conside-
rable distance. They build in the holes of trees, which have
been scooped out by the woodpecker. They lay only two eggs;
they are spread over all the warm parts of America, and, being
very sensible to cold, never quit it. They feed, it is said, prin-
cipally upon the fruit of the palm tree, and swallow their food
whole ; but the latest observations on the food of this tribe tend
to shew that, during the season of incubation, at least, they feed
on the eggs and young]of other birds. The feathers of the toucan
are greatly admired by the Brazilians, who make them up into
articles of dress. The following are the chief :

The TucanuSf or Yellow-breasted-Toucan, is blackish;
abdominal band, vent, and rump, yellow ; cheeks, chin, and

THE TOUCAN — THE SPOON-BILL. 347

The EiDER-DucK came with some other sea-fowl ;
In much state appear'd, also, the Great-Eagle-Owl.
The Coquimbo-Owl, also, the Burrowing, too,

came ;
Both by singular habits are known unto fame.*
The Rosy rob'd Spoonbill, (^5 the Crimson rob'dtoo.
In gaudiness flaunted, not pleasing to view;

neck, orange; legs and claws lead colour; nineteen inches long-,
feeds upon pepper, as do several other species of the genus »
inhabits South America ; the natives of Cayenne glue the skin
and feathers of the neck of this bird upon their cheeks by way
of ornament.

The ViridiSf Green-Toucan, or Grigi, is green ; belly yel-
low; rump red; fourteen inches long; inhabits and feeds like
the last; bill not so enormous as some of the other species,
being only about four inches and a half in length.

TheToucANETs are, of course, the smaller species ofToucans;
they are mentioned by Waterton, but not specifically de-
scribed by him: it is much to be regretted that this gentleman
has not been more scientifically descriptive of the many birds
which he has mentioned in his Wanderings in South America.

A Toucan is to be seen alive and in remarkable activity at
the Zoological Society in Bruton-street.

(25) Order, Grall^, (Linn.) Spoon-bill, the White, the
Roseate, the Dwarf.
The genus Platalea, (Own.) or Spoonbill, consists of Hve
species, one of which, the Leucorodia, is found occasionally in
this country. The distinguishing characteristics of this tribe is
its singular bill, having, as its name imports, the shape of a
spoon ; its singularity does not, however, consist merely in its
shape, but also in its structure, for it is not hard like the beaks
of other birds, but soft and flexible like leather ; it is commonly

* For an account of the Owls, see note (41,) part I.

348 FOREIGN BIRDS.

While Canary-Birds fluttered the branches among,
And now warbled apart, now in concert a song.
The Tropic-Bird (^) swift, too, was seen in mid sky;
And that Tyrant, the Shrike, you might also descry.

seven inches long, and nearly two in breadth towards the point j
all round the upper mandible runs a rim which covers the
lower one ; the nostrils are small, at the base of the bill ; tongue
khort, pointed ; feet senil-iialmated. The following are the
chief:

Of the Levcorodia, White-Spoonbill, Spoonbill^ or Pelican^
there are thrte varieties. The first has the body white; chin
black ; hind-head subcrested: the second has the wings varied
with black and white; legs yellowish: and Ihe third has the
body all white; legs flesh-colour ; two feet eight inches long;
feeds on fishes, frogs, snakes, and grass; builds in high trees ;
eggs three or four, white, with reddish spots ; flesh resembles a
goose, especially when young ; inhabits Europe and Asia, and
is seen occasionally in this country.

The Ajaja, or Roseate-Spoonbill, has the body rosy; tail-
coverts scarlet ; another variety blood-red; neck white; collar
black; tail-feathers scarlet ; two feet three inches long ; the first
variety inhabits Guiana and Brazil ; the last Mexico and Jamaica.

The PygmcBa, or Dwarf-Spoonbill, has the body above
brown, beneath white.

In the European Spoonbill both mandibles are black, brown,
or grey; the beak of the Anjerican Spoonbill is of a red colour,
resembling its feathers ; all the different species are inhabitants
of the sea-coast ; they are sometimes met with in vast flocks.
Notwithstanding the brilliant colours of the American species,
the spoonbill is generally considered an ugly bird. The Leu-
corvdia is found in great plenty in Holland.

(26) Order, Anseres, (Linn.) Tkopic-Bird, the Common,
the Black-Billed, the Red-Tailed.

The genus Phaeton, (Linn.) or Tropic-Bird, compre-
hends four species only, distinguished by a sharp-edged, straight,

THE TROPIC-BIRD — THE TODY. 349

The Tanager touch'd with much feeling his lute;
The diminutive Tody (") was there in green suit,

pointed bill, the gape of the month reaching beyond ; nostrils
oblong ; hind toe turned forward. The chief are as follow :

The Mthereusy or Common-Tropic-Bird, has the head,
neck, and beneath white ; back, rump, and less wing-feathers,
streaked with white, mixed with black ; two middle tail fea-
thers black at the base ; bill three inches long; size of a widgeon,
yet its length, with the tail, two feet ten inches ; flies very high ;
feeds on fishes ; often seen on the backs of tortoises ; seldom
on land, except at breeding time j inhabits the tropics. Two
other varieties.

"Though faster than the tropic- bird they flew."

Grainger's Sugar Cane, Book ill.

The 3Ielanorhynchos, or Black-billed-Tropic-Bird, has
the hill black ; is above streaked with black and white; be-
neath white ; nineteen and a half inches long ; inhabits Pal-
merston and Turtle islands.

The Phoenicurus, or Red-tailed-Tropic-Bird, is of a rosy
flesh-colour ; bill red ; length two feet ten inches, of which the
two middle tail feathers, which are red, measure one foot nine
inches; builds in hollows in the ground, under trees; eggs
two, yellowish-white, with rufous spots. Inhabits the Mauritius
island .

(^7^ Order, Pic^, (Linn.) Tony, the Green, the King, &c.

The genus Todvs, (Linn.) or Tody, consists of nearly thirty
species, mostly inhabiting the warmer parts of America ; they
have a subulate, depressed, obtuse, straight bill, covered at the
base with bristles ; feet gressorial ; this tribe are nearly allied
to the fly-catchers, but have the middle and outer toes much
connected, which in the fly-catchers are divided at the base.
The chief are the following : —

The ViridiSf orGREEN-ToDv, Green-Sparrow, Green-Humming-

350 FOREIGN BIRDS.

Woke his flute to wild cadence the Red-breasted-

TlIRUSH,*

And the sweet, shy Wood-Robin* was heard with a

''hushr
He, rehearsing his strain, in the woodlands apart,
Touched with magical sympathy many a heart,
And, at length, his rich notes, bursting forth into song,
Thus arrested, in silence, the listening throng :

Birdf or Ground- Parakeet t lias the upper parts of the body in the
female green, in the male blue ; size of a wren ; the bill is red ;
back light-blue; belly white; the throat and sides a beautiful
rose-colour; the claws are long and hooked, adapted to scoop
out holes in the ground, where it takes up its abode and
builds its nest, which it lines with straw, moss, cotton, and
feathers; eggs grey, with deep yellow spots; the young is fed
with insects and small worms : inhabits St. Domingo.

The Regius, or King-Tody, is blackish-brown, reddish be-
neath ; crest chesuut, spotted with white at the tip ; chin and
eyelids white; bill dusky-brown ; breast with transverse black-
ish lines ; legs flesh-colour. This singular and beautiful species
inhabits Cayenne ; it is, however, a very rare bird ; seven inches
long.

The Platyrhyncos, or Broad-billei>-Tod\, is yellowish-
brown, beneath yellow ; chin and spot on the crown white ;
wings and tail brown ; bill very large and broad ; size of the
nightingale.

The Ohscurus, or Obscure-Tody, is olive-brown; beneath
yellowish-white ; size of the hedge-sparrow ; found in North
America; feeds on insects.

* For an account of this bird and the Red-breasted'Thrushf
see the Wood-Thrush's Evening Song.

361
THE WOOD-ROBIN'S MORNING SONG.*

Turdus Melodus. — (Wilson.)

Liberty, Liberty, dearest of treasure —
Give me of freedom an o'erflowing measure !

Columbia ! Columbia ! the home of the free,
Who of the earth is so happy as thee ?

Peace with her olive branch waving her hand —
One brotherhood binds thee, my dear Native Land!

Made were thy Prairies, Woods, Mountains, and

thee,
For us, and for man, too— a home for the free.

Liberty, Liberty, dearest of treasure —
Give me of freedom an o'erflowing measure !

* The reader will be so obliging as to recollect that the
IFood-Robin and the fVood-Thrush is the same bird: the evening
song of this charming bird is, therefore, that entitled the
Wood-Thrush's Evening Song ; the two names have been adopted
both for euphonious convenience and variety. The following
lines, used as a simile in Carrington's Twines Lament, are
very descriptive of the locality of this bird's nest : a coincidence,
of course, purely accidental.

" His home,
— A quiet nest embosomed deep
In woods of some soft valley, where the hand
Of plunderer comes not, and the sudden gale
But seldom shrieks, and silence sweetly spreads
O'er all her downy wing.'*

362

TQ THE WOOD-ROBIN.

Tardus Melodus. — (Wilson.)

Yes, Bird of melodious note ! unto thee
Shall ever be sacred the home of the free !
There may Liberty flourish — extend her broad shade,
And Knowledge delight in the home she hath made.
And oh ! might a wish for the welfare of men
Be heard, and prevail over mountain and glen,
Where the fierce tropic sun rolls his chariot along,
And Slavery still dwells western regions among;
Then, should gentle Benevolence, warm from the

heart.
Flow in streams of Persuasion — pure lessons im-
part—
Then, should Truth and should Justice together be

found; —
And knowledge diffuse far her radiance around ; —
The Slave become free, and his Master his

Friend ;
And thus Happiness widely her blessings extend.
YeS; Bird of melodious note ! unto thee.
Unto man, too, be sacred the Home of the Free !*

* See this subject farther pursued in the piece towards the
couclusiou of this work, entitled the Hill of Freedom.

THE PXLICAN. 353

Of mercy the emblem in annals of fame.
With her pouch full of fish, the White Pelican ('^)
came ; < :., " .^'j; -... ;

. V .1^ ... . ill.

(28) Order, Anseres, (Linn.) Pelican, Cormorant, Shag,
Booby, Frigate-Pelican, Gannet.
The genus Pelecanus, {Linn.) or Pelican, comprehends
nearly forty species scattered over the globe, three or four
common to this country. The hill is long, straight, hooked at
the end ; nostrils an obliterated slit ; toes four, palmate. These
birds are extremely expert at catching fishes with their long
bills, and are often tamed for this purpose. They are gregarious
and voracious. The following are the principal : —

The Onocrofa/us, White-Pelican, or Pelican, is white, gullet
pouched ; bill red, from fifteen to sixteen inches long ; upper
mandible depressed, broad, the lower forked ; the gular pouch
is flaccid, membranaceous, of a red or yellowish colour, and ca-
pable of great distention ; head naked, at the sides covered with
a flesh-coloured skin. It is by far the largest of the genus, the
wings, when extended, being from ten to twelve feel ; the pouch,
which will contain when distended ten quarts of water, answers
the purpose of a crop, and is used by the bird to contain food
both for itself and for its young, which, when hatched, are fed
with the fishes which have been for some time macerated in the
pouch. This bird is easily tamed ; but it is a disagreeable and
useless domestic, and its flesh unsavoury. Whatever food is
given it, it always first commits to the pouch, and afterwards
swallows at leisure. It is universally spread over all the warm
latitudes of both the old and new continents ; has been seen,
although rarely, in this country. In Asia they are pretty
numerous, migratory, and fly iu wedge-shaped flocks. Eggs
two or more, white, the size of those of a swan ; time of incuba-
tion the same as that bird. Great numbers are killed for their
pouches, which are converted by the native Americans into
purses, &c. When carefully prepared, the membrane is as soft
as silk, and sometimes is embroidered by the Spanish ladies for

354 FOREIGN BIRDS.

The once-believ'd fable of blood from her breast
Hath long since been set, and for ever, at rest,

work-bags, &c. It is used in Egypt by the sailors, whilst at-
tached to the two under chaps, for holding or baling water.
The pouch extends from the point of the under mandible to the
throat ; it admits of being greatly contracted. In disgorging
the food the bird presses the bottom of the sack upon her
breast, and thus the contents are discharged : hence the fable
of feeding her young with her blood. It is an indolent lazy
bird; the female takes very little care either of her eggs or her
young. When it cannot obtain fish, it will feed on rats and
.small quadrupeds. Although the general colour of this bird is
white, it becomes, it is said, as it advances in age, in many parts
of the body, red. It lives sometimes 100 years.

The Carbo, Cormorant, Corvorant, or Sea-Crow^ is black; the
neck long, size nearly that of a goose ; found in almost every part
of the ocean; flesli eaten by navigators; it abounds on the sea-
coasts of these kin«:dom8, but chiefly the north : it is very
common also on the shores of the Bristol Channel. This bird
was formerly domesticated in this country, and trained to fish
for its owner ; it is still used in China for this purpose. It is
subject to much variety both in size and colour : one described
by Montague, unqne-tionably very large, was three feet three
inches long^ breadth four feet eleven inches, and weight eight
pounds! It is usually, however, much less than this: not so
large as a goose. Eggs three, white; nest, composed of sticks
and sea-weed, is generally found on the summit of the hij-hest
rocks, near the sea. It is in the wintrr seen sometimes in fresh-
water rivers, at a considerable distance from the sea.

This bird has been usually considered greedy and rapacious ;
so much so, indeed, that it has been often cited by writers, and
particularly by the poets, as well as in the common language of
life, as an emblem of greediness : —

" Spite of cm^morant devouring time.''

Shakespeare.

THE BOOBY — THE FRIGATE-PELICAN. 355

The imbecile fool Booby, the Gannet, the Shag;
Ducks of all kinds; and Geese, amongst which the

Grey-Lag.
There were, too, Frigate-Pelicans soaring on high ;
Those who sometimes proceed man himself to defy ;

" Hence up he flew, and on the tree of life

Sat like a cormorant."

Milton.

The GraculuSf or Shag, called erroneously sometimes Crane,
is black above, beneath brown; two feet and a half long; two
other varieties; in its general manners similar to the Cormorant,
bat keeps wholly to the salt water. Inhabits Europe and
Ireland, and is common also to this country. Perches on and
sometimes builds (as well as one of the varieties of the Cormorant)
in trees, although both these birds have palmate feet.

The Sula, or Booby, has a whitish body, quill feathers tipt
with blackish; beneath white ; length two feet and a half; bill
five, tail upwards of ten inches long. Inhabits South America
and the neighbouring islands. It is an indolent, senseless, and
cowardly bird, submitting to all sorts of depredations upon its
happiness with indolent imbecility; yetis,occasionalIy,when much
excited, ferocious. The man-of-war-bird (see the next species,)
no sooner perceives it in the air, than it pounces upon it, not to
destroy it, but to make it disgorge the fish which it has swallowed,
which is snatched up by the voracious plunderer before it reaches
the water.

The Aquilus, Frigate-Pelican, Great-Frigate-Pelican,
Frigate-Birdf or Man-of-War-Bird, has a forked tail, body
black, bill red ; the male has the pouch deep red ; wing coverts
rnfous; female belly white; three feet long; extent of the
wings fourteen feet ; builds in rocks and trees ; eggs one or two,
flesh-colour, spotted with red ; feeds principally, if not entirely,
on fish. This bird is one of the most formidable tyrants of the

356 FOREIGN BIRDS.

Fierce warriors o'er ocean pursuing their way,

And who merciless pounce, as they pass, on their prey.

ocean. When in flocks their audacity has sometimes prompted
them to brave even man himself. It is said a cloud of them at-
tacked a crew of French sailors upon the Island of Ascension,
and, till some of them were struck down, endeavoured to snatch
the meat from their hands. From the length of their wings,
when upon the ground or on the water they cannot easily take
flight ; they are, therefore, rarely, if ever, seen on the water.
Although having palmate feet, they perch commonly on trees
or other eminences, where they also build: eggs one or two,
flesh-colour, spotted with crimson. Inhabits within the tropics.
See the preceding article.

The Bassanus, Gannet, Common-Gannet, or Soland-Goos€j has
a white body; bill and primary quill feathers black ; face blue;
length three feet ; three varieties ; one inhabits Cayenne, the
other two Europe and America. The gannets are birds of
passage, arriving in this country in March, and quitting it iu
August or September. Their chief food is herrings, although, it
is said, they cannot dive for them. They are found in vast
numbers on the rocky recesses of Scotland ; and particularly on
the Bass rock, at the entrance of the Frith of Forth, whence
this bird has obtained its specific name. Egg one ; but, if that
be carried away, the female will lay twice or even thrice. The
young grow very fat ; and, in St. Kilda, with the egg?, contri-
bute to the support of the inhabitants, who contrive to take
them by being suspended by a rope from precipitous rocks, two
hundred fathoms from the ground. The eggs and food thus pro-
cured are preserved in pyramidal stone buildings, covered with
ashes, to defend them from moisture. Their winter retreat is
said to be off the coast of Cornwall, far out at sea, and in every
part of the British and Irish Channel, pursuing herrings and
pilchards. See the Introduction.

THE GRAKLE. 357

The GrakleC^^), loquacious, whose nests will be found
The marge of the Osprey's to cluster around ;

(29) OvtDERfPiJEy (Linn.) Grakle the Minor, the Boat-
tailed, the Crested, the Purple, &c.

The genus Gracula, (Linn.) or Grakle, consists of nearly
forty species, natives of India and South America, some of them
of Europe. They have a thick convex bill, compressed at the
sides, with small nostrils, and sharp hooked claws, the middle
toe connected at the base with the outer. The following are
the chief: —

The i^dig'iosa, or Minor-Grakle, is violet black, spot on
the wings white; hind head with a yellow naked band. Another
variety much larger; both inhabit Asia; the first is ten inches
and half long ; feeds on cherries, grapes, and other fruits : when
tamed exceedingly loquacious.

The Barita, or Boat-tailed Graki.e, is greyish, shoulders
bhie; quill feathers outside green ; tail rounded and concave
when folded, as it is when on the wing ; flat when spread ;
thirteen inches long; feeds on insects and fruits; inhabits
Amedca and the West Indies.

The Quiscala, Purple-Grakle, or Crow-Blackbird, is
violet black, tail rounded. Male thirteen and a half, female
eleven and a half inches long; sings finely; lays five or six
bluish eggs, with black striped spots ; nests in great numbers on
the same tree; and also sometimes near the Osprey''s. See note
1, part I., article Hali^etos. When domesticated, feeds on
all kinds of grain. Although very destructive to plantations,
it clears them in a considerable degree from noxious insects, on
which account the breed has been of late encouraged in the
West Indies. It is a native of Mexico, the warm parts of
America, and Jamaica.

The S<u?»l«a is hoary, black on the crown and back ; between
the wings violet black ; tail and wings with a shade of green.

358 FOREIGN BIRDS.

The Horn'd-Screamer (^°), too, from the Savannah
was there,
Arm'd with spines on his wing, yet is said still to be
Of birds the most harmless, affectionate he.
And Grosbeaks, whose nests with what can we

compare ?
Fame reports, too, with worms* noctilucent and bright,
They illumine their domes in the darkness of night !
JBut Fame oft misleads us from Nature and Truth,
Her excitements deceive arje, and manhoody and youth.

In its eggs and nest resembles those of the thr ush ; inhabits

the osier banks of Dauria.

The Cristellata, or Crested-Grakle, is eight and a half
inches long ; inhabits China ; is very loquacious, and makes a
hissing noise.

(3°) Order, GRALLiC, (Linn.) Screamer, the Horned, the
Crested.

The genus Palamedea, (Linn.) or Screamer, consists of
three species, having a conic bill, the upper mandible hooked,
feet four-toed, cleft; a very small membrane connecting the
toes at the root. They are as follow : —

The Cornuta, or Horned-Screamer, has the wings with two
spurs at the head of each ; front horned ; the head and upper
part of the neck covered with short bristly feathers ; the rest of
the plumage is longer, of a dark brown colour, mixed with
green. The feet four inches long ; size of a large swan. The
first spur on the wing is two inches long; the second half an
inch. Notwithstanding this armour, it is said that this bird is
the most gentle of all animals; that the male and female are
always found in pairs, evincing great attachment for each other;
that they are inseparable ; and that, if one dies, the other does

• Lampyris noctiluca, or Glow-worm. See page 177.

THE CRESTED-SCREAMER. 359

He who Nature's great book would sincerely
peruse,
With dispassionate judgment phenomena views;
Whatever he sees, and whatever his tact,
He will always confine himself closely to fact ;
Nor permits he wild wonder to dazzle his eyes,
Nor yields Reason a captive to silly surprize ;
U Discovery should give to some Novelty hirthj
Lets not Rapture esteem it beyond its own worth ;
Lets not Poetry paint it in colours so fair.
That when seen, void of Art, is nor splendid nor rare ;
In fine, although led by fair Pleasure's soft hand,
Still,observant of NATURE,givesTRUTH the command.

not long survive. It seems, nevertheless, most probable
that the spurs on the wings are a defence against some
noxious animals, vshich infest the native regions of this
bird. Feeds on herbs, seeds, and reptiles. Nest of
weeds, and shaped like an oven ; eggs two. When alarmed,
rises from the ground with a loud and continued screaming.
Inhabits the fenny and marshy parts of South America, where it
is discovered by its voice, and hunted for its flesh ; it is also
domesticated for the same purpose. Called by the natives
Kamichi.

The CristatOj or Crested Screamer, has the wings unarmed,
front crested ; size of a heron ; habits and place of abode
similar to the last. Called by the natives Cariama, from the
sharp cry which it makes, and which is compared to that of a
turkey, but so loud as to be heard a mile off. Flesh delicate ;
by some thought equal to the pheasant.

This last is described by Dr. Latham as a separate genus,
imder the term Cariama.

The other species is the CAq/a, inhabiting Paraguay.

360 FOREIGN BIRDS.

While many a Warbler's and Oriole's song
Were heard, in wild cadence, pimentas among,
The Gold-breasted Trumpeter (^') shouted aloud;
Of all harsh discordance he seeras to be proud.
The Grand Promerops*, too, in his beautiful green,
Other Hoopoes of splendour were also there seen.

('^) Order, Grall^, (Linn.) Trumpeter, the Gold-
breasted, the Undulate.

The genus Psophia, (Linn.) or Trumpeter, consists of
three species, distinguished by a cylindric, conic, convex, some-
what pointed bill ; the npper mandible larger; nostrils oval,
pervious; tongue cartilaginous; feet four toed, cleft. The
following are the chief:—

The Crepitans, or Gold-breasted Trumpeter, is black,
back grey ; breast shining blue green ; legs strong, tall, tail
short ; feathers of the head downy, of the lower part of the neck
sqnamiform ; of the shoulders ferruginous, lax, pendulous, silky ;
twenty inches long ; makes a harsh uncommon cry, not unlike
a child's trumpet, and follows people through the streets with
its disagreeable noise, so that it is difficult to get rid of it ;
stands on[one leg, and sleeps with its head between its shoulders;
eggs blue green. Inhabits Brazil and Guinea. When tamed,
mixes with other poultry, and domineers even over the Guinea
fowl ; follows its master in its walks; flesh good. — VVaterton.

The Undulata, or Undulate-Trumpeter, has the body
above brovrn, waved with black, beneath bluish w hite ; size of
a goose ; inhabits Africa.

* See note (24,) Part I.

THE ORIOLE. 361

The Orioles (^*) presented a brilliant group :
Some whose domes from one tree by whole centuries

droop :
The Persicus, he whom sound wisdom hath taught
That his welfare in union can only be sought ;
From the Serpents— the Apes, his alembical nest,
Moves secure o'er the breeze's soft billowy breast.

(32) Order, Vicje, (Linn.) Oriole, the Hang-nest, the
Baltimore, the Golden, the Icteric, the Red-wingeu,
the Banana, the Black or Troupiole.

The genus Oriolus, (Linn.) or Oriole, comprehends
upwards of sixty species, cliiefly inhabitants of America; one
only, the Galbula, or Golden-Oriole, found occasionally in
this country. They have a conic, convex, very sharp and
straight bill ; tongue bifid; feet ambulatory. Tliey are gre-
garious, noisy, numerous, voracious, and great devourers of
corn: lliey often build pendulous nests. The following are
most deserving of notice: —

Tlie ISidipenduius, or Hang-nest Oriole j for an account of
which, see the Oriole's Song.

The Bultimore^ Baltimore-Oriole, Hang-nest, Hanging-
Bird, Golden-Robin, Fire-Bird^ Baltimore- Bird f is seven inches
long ; body above black, the rest orange ; inhabits various
parts of North America, often in flocks, migrating as far as
Montreal to the north, and of Brazil to the south ; most com-
mon in Virginia; has a clear mellow whistle, but can be scarcely
termed a song. It attaches its nest to an apple-tree, a weeping-
willow, or the Lombardy-poplar,. in the American towns ; the
nest is like a cylinder, five inches in diameter, seven in depth,
and round at the bottom ; the opening at the top narrowed by
a horizontal covering, two inches and half in diameter; the
materials flax, hemp, tow, hair, and wool, woven into a com-
plete cloth, the whole tightly sewed through and through with

R

362 FOREIGN BIRDS.

His clear mellow pipe loud the Baltimore blew.
As round willows and poplars delighted he flew :

long horse hairs, several of which measure two feet in length ;
the bottom consists of thick tufts of cow hair.

" High on yon poplar clad in glossiest green
The orange, black-capp'd Bullimore is seen ;
The broad extended boughs still please him best;
Beneath the bending skirts he hangs his nest."

Wilson's American Ornithology,

The Galbula, Golden-Oriole, Golden-Thrush^ WitfjouU, or
Yellow-Bird-froni' Bengal, is pale-yellow; outer tail-feathers on
the hind part yellow; female dusky brownish-green; lateral
tail-feathers yellowish-white ; nine and a half inches long ;
feeds on cherries, berries, and insects ; inhabits Europe, Asia,
and Africa ; occasionally seen in this country in the summer ;
more common in France, where it breeds ; the nest is curiously
shaped like a purse, and fastened to the extreme branches of
tall trees ; it is made of the fibres of hemp or straw, mixed with
fine dry stalks of grass, and lined with moss and liverwort; eggs
four or five, dirty white, with dark brown spots ; voice sharp ;
flesh good. Four or five other varieties, found in Cochin-china
and India. It is a migratory bird, and found in various parts
of the European continent during the summer ; has been ob-
served in Malta on its passage southward, and on its return in
the spring northward ; supposed to winter in Africa and Asia.
A nest, with young ones, was once, I understand, seen in
Hampshire.

The IcteruSi or Icteric-Oriole, is tawny, nine and a halt
inches long ; active, bold ; builds a large cylindrical nest
hanging from the extreme branches of a tree ; is domesticated
in America for the purpose of destroying insects ; inhabits the
warmer parts of America and the Caribbees.

The Phoeniceus, Red-winged-Oriole, or Red-toinged-Star-
iing- of Wilson, is black, wing-coverts red; about nine inches

THE PERSIC, THE BANANA, THE BLACK ORIOLE. 363

The Niger sang sweetly; what time did the note
Of the Hang-nest on zephyrs enchantingly float;
Of the lawny Banana inscribe we the name.
And forget not his nest in the annals of fame.

long; builds a thick pensile nest between reeds, and just above
the reach of floods ; eggs white, with a few black streaks; very
destructive to rice plantations ; it devours, also, swarms of
insects and worms ; inhabits in vast flocks from New York as
far as New Spain. Found in the summer in the northern, in the
winter in the southern American States. Another variety in-
habits Africa.

The Persicusj Black-and-Yellow-Oriole, or Persic^ of
which there are three or four varieties, inhabits South America.
It forms a pendent nest, shaped like an alembic, on the extreme
branches of trees; sometimes, it is said, hundreds are seen
hanging from the same tree ; eggs dirty white, with small pale-
brown spots.

The Bananffj Banana-Oriole, Bonana-Oriole, or Banana-bird,
is tawny ; back, and quill, and tail-feathers, black ; seven inches
long; inhabits South America and the Caribbee Islands; forms a
nest of leaves and stalks the shape of a fourth part ofaglobe,sewed
with great art to the under part of a banana leaf, so that the
leaf itself makes one side of the nest. I have ventured to differ,
even from Linn^us himself, as well as subsequent naturalists,
in the orthography of the specific name of this bird. The great
Swede gives us Bonana; but surely there can be no reason for such
an orthography, as the bird forms its nest partly of the leaf of
the Banana, {musa sapientum,) we ought not to depart from
the orthography of that word. I also give it in the genitive
case, as more expressive of the habit of this Oriole.

The Niger, Black-Origle, or Troupiole, is totally black»
female greenish-brown ; ten inches long ; feeds on worms and
beetles ; builds in trees about eight feet from the ground, and

r2

I

364 FOREIGN BIRDS.

There was also the sawing bird Phytotoma (^^)

Those harshest of all notes, repeating Ra, Ra.

With the fine English-Lady, (^*) so named by

French taste,
TheVuLTURE was honoured — the assembly was grac'd.

lays five dusky eggs with black spots; it is gregarious, and, in
bleeding time, sings deliglitfuUy ; iniiabits North America.

For another Oriole, the Cowpen, see page 3S7 j see also for-
vvaidf — the Weaver-Oriole.

Most of the Oriole tribe are called Troupioles, or Troupiales, by
many French naturalists: they are also called Troupioles by
Waterton.

(33) Order, Passeres, (Lath.) Plant-Cutter, the Chili,
(he Abyssinian.

The genus Phytotoma, (LaiA.) or Plant-Cutter, consists
of two species, one of which, the Kara, Chili-Plant-Cutter,
or Sawing'bird , has the bill conic, straight, serrate; nostrils
oval; tongue short, obtuse; feet four-toed ; the bill is thick,
half an inch long, and toothed on each side like a saw ; body
above dusky-ash, beneath paler ; quill and tail-feathers spotted
with black; nearly the size of a quail; has a harsh inter-
rupted cry, jRa, Ra, whence its specific name ; feeds on fresh
vegetables, which it cuts down near the roots with its bill as
with a saw ; a pest to gardens ; builds in high shady trees ;
eggs white, spotted with red ; inhabits Chili.

The other species is the Abyssinian-Plant-Cutter, called
by .Linna3us Loxia tridactyla, or Three-toed-Grosbeak ; it is
the size of the common-grosbeak, but has only three toes.

(3*) Order, Ficje, (Linn.) Curucui, English-Lady.

The genus Trogon, (Linn.) or Curucui, consists of ten

species, all natives of warm climates, chiefly Brazil ; they are

named Curucui from the similarity of that sound to their voice ;

the bill is shorter than the head, sharp-edged, hooked, th e man-

THE COURIER — THE WARBLEKS,

365

The Couriers (^s)-came from Europe;— the Creeper

" I sing,
From New Zealand arriv*d— of the Creepers the king.

The Manakin tuning his octave was there ;
And many sweet Warblers C^) both splendid and
rare :

diblcs serrate at the edge; feet formed for climbing. The
Curucui, or Red-eellied CuRUCUi, the chief species, is about
ten inches long; the head, neck, and breast, a brilliant green,
changing in different positions into a lively blue ; wings greenish-
white, variegated with small lines of black in a zig-zag direction ;
tail very long ; belly red; builds in the hole of some tree; eggs
three or four, nearly white, the size of a pigeon's ; the female
during her incubation is supplied with food, carefully watched
by the male, and soothed by his song ; the female has also a me-
lancholy accent during the season of love. The French in St.
Domingo call this bird the English Lady. Found in various
parts of South America.

The Viridis, or Yellow-bellied-Curucui, is eleven inches
and a half long ; song, or rather whistle, not unpleasant ; two
varieties found in Brazil. The Indicus, or Indian Curucdi, is
found in India ; the FasciatuSy or Fa sci at ed- Curucui, in
Ceylon.

(35) Order, Grall^e, (LntL) Courier.

The genus Corrira, (Lath.) or Courier, consists of one
species only, the Jtalica, or Italian>Coukier, having a long
stiaiglit bill, without teeth; thighs longer than the body; feet
four-toed, palmate; the hind-toe not connected ; it is less than
the curlew, and runs swiftly ; inhabits Italy.

(36) The genus MoTAciLLA,CLr«w.^ or Sylvia, as the War-
BLERs are termed by Dr. Latham, has been described pretty
copiously in the first Part; but as the Warblers, peculiarly so
called, are most common to tropical and other warm climates,

366 FOREIGN BIRDS.

The Pen SI LIS, fam^d for perennial song,

Was pleas'd, amid pines, his soft notes to prolong;

and, as few are known in our own country, a separate notice of
some of the most striking is here introduced.

Order, Passeres, (Linn.) Warbler, the Superb, the
Babbling, the African, the Thorn-tailed, the Yellow-
Poll, the Palm, the Banana, the Pensile.

The Cyanea^ or Superb-Warbler, the most beautiful species
of the whole genus, is five inches and a half long; colour black-
blue, beneath white j feathers of the head long, lax, turgid ;
front, cheeks, and lunula of the neck, fine blue ; female brown
above, beneath white; blue round the eyes j one other variety.
Inhabits New Holland; the second variety Manilla.

The Curruca, or Babbling-Warbler, is found in France,
Italy, and India ; it is a restless noisy bird, imitating the notes
of other birds.

The Africana, or African-Warbler, which is more than
seven inches long, inhabits the Cape of Good Hope. Its
note is said to resemble a flute; flesh in much estimation.

The SpinicaudUf or Thorn-tailed-Warbler, is the size of
a sparrow ; the chief peculiarity is its tail, which is cuneiform,
and the feathers are almost bare of webs for one third of their
length, ending in points. Inhabits Terra del Fuego, and found
occasionally in Paraguay ; another variety at the Cape of Good
Hope.

The ^stivUf Yellow-Poll-Warbler, or Blue-eyed-
Yellow- Warbler, inhabits America ; makes a soft noise,
compared to that of a linnet.

The Palmarum^ or Palm-Warbler, is five inches long;
plumage above brown, beneath dirty yellowish-white. Inhabits
St. Domingo; its song consists of four or five notes only, not
unpleasant. Found among palm-trees, in which it builds its
nest; eggs two only.

THE PENSILE-WARBLER— WaENS — MOTMOT. 367

The Superb in rich robes flaunted by without lute ;
And the African blew, as it pleas'd him, his flute ;
One, the Babbling, was heard in a neighbouring vale;
While the Motmot(") ran past with his singular tail.

The Bananivoruf Banana- Warbler, or Bananistey is often
seen on the bananas, on which it is supposed tp feed ; song
trifling ; inhabits St. Domingo.

The PensiliSf or Pensile-Warbler, inhabits St. Domingo
and the pine thickets of Georgia ; it is five inches long, and a
most beautiful species ; nest very curious, hanging by the top
and playing with every blast of wind ; the opening is beneath,
through which the bird rises some way upward, over a kind of
partition, and descends again to the bottom, on which the eggs,
four, are laid on a soft downy matter. The nests are frequently
seen suspended on the withes which hang from tree to tree, and
chiefly such as are over water ; song very delicate, and con-
tintved throughout the year; the female also sings, although not
equal to the male ,; feeds on insects and fruit ; breeds, it is said,
two or three times a year.

The Carolinensis, Louisiane-Wren, or Coroiine-fFrcn, is five
inches long ; inhabits various parts of South America ; called
Tout-voix hy the French ; song said to be little inferior to the
nightingale ; nest like a melon; the entrance to which is about
the middle ; it is suspended between reeds, and lined with fea-
thers ; it is made by the female, the male bringing her the ma-
terials.

The Calendula^ or Ruby-crowned-Wren, is larger than the

Golden-crested-Wren ; plumage above olive, with a tinge of

brown, beneath yellowjsh-white ; note loud ; it has also a

pretty soft warbling one ; inhabits South Carolina and Georgia.

(37) Order, Pic^, (Lath.) Motmot.

The genus Momotus, (Lath.) or Motmot, consists of two
species j the characteristics are a strong, slightly curved bill,
serrate at the edges; nostrils feathered; tongue feathered ; tail

368 FOREIGN BIRDS*

There, with loud and soft note, too, the Rt^ by-crow n'd-

Wren ;
And the Caroline warbled most sweet in the glen.
The Woodpeckers came, in their brightness array'd,
Still "tapping," still scooping till holes they had made.
For the poultry fit guardian and governing king,
There the Faithful Jacana (^^) with spines on his

wing.

wedged; feet gressorial ; distinguislied also from all other birds
by having the two middle tail feathers quite naktd of their
vaues, for about an inch, at a small distance from the extremity.
The BrasiliensiSf or Brazilian -Motmot, is brit;ht green
above, below a more obtuse shade of the fame colour; length
seven inches; bill conic, serrate; toes three before, one behind.
Found in South America ; feeds on insects ; shy, solitary, and
almost incapable of flight. This bird is called by Edwards
the Brazilian Saw-billed Roller, by 1VIarcgrave,Guira-^

GUAINUMBI.

(38) Order, Grall^, {Linn.) Jacana, the Chilese, the
Chesnut, the Faithful.

The genus Parra, (Linn.) or Jacana, comprehends more
than ten species, natives of the warmer parts of Asia, Africa,
and America; they have a tapering, somewhat obtuse bill;
nostrils oval, in the middle of the bill ; front covered with
lobate caruncles ; wings spinous. The following are some of the
most interesting examples :

The ChileTisis, or Chilese-Jacana, has the bill two inches
long ; neck, back, and forepart of the wings violet ; throat and
breast black ; wings and hhort tail brown ; spurs on the wings
yellowish, conic, bony, half an inch long, with which it de-
fends itself; size of a Jay > noisy ; feeds on worms, &c.; builds
in the grass; eggs four, tawny, speckled with black.

The Jacana, or Chesnut-Jacana, has the body chesnut-

THE JACANA— THE JABIRU. 369

The Prince of the WaderSy the huge Jabiru,(-'^)
Up the dell in much haste with a long serpent flew.
The Crows, Rooks, and Ravens, arriv'd rather late;
The WiLD-TuRKiES were many — affected much state.

purple ; length ten inches ; very noisy ; flesh good ; inhabits
watery places of South America.

The C/miarjf/, or Faithful Jac ANA, has the toes long; on
the hind head a crest, consisting of about twelve black feathers,
three inches long, pendent ; body brown, belly light black j
wings and tail blackish j wing-spurs two or three, half an inch
long; size of a cock, and stands a foot and a half fioni the
ground ; inhabits the rivers and inundated places near Cartha-
gena in America. The natives keep one of these birds to
wander with the poultry and defend them from birds of prey,
which it does by the spurs on its wings : it never deserts its
charge, bringing them home safely at night. It feeds on herbs ;
its gait is slow; it cannot run unless assisted by its wings ; it
tiies, however, easily and swiftly ; voice clear and loud.

(39) Ordek, Gkall^, (Linn.) Jabiru, the American, the
Indian, the New Holland.

The genus Mycteria, (Linn.) or Jabiru, comprises six
species, distinguished by a sharp-pointed bill, a little bending
upwards; tongue small, or tongueless ; feet four-toed, cleft; the
following deserve notice :

The Americana, or American-Jabiru, is white, the plumage
on the neck excepted, which is red; quill and tail-feathers
purplish-black. It is one of the largest birds of Guiana, being
more than four feet high and six in length. Its large black bill
is a formidable weapon, being above thirteen inches long, and
at the base three in thickness ; feeds chiefly on fish, but destroys
serpents and other reptiles ; is gregarious and migratory ; eggs
two ; nest in trees hanging over water.

The AsiaticUf or Indian-Jabiru, is white; band over the

r3

370 FOREIGN BIRDS.

The Fly-Catchers (*°) also flew darting along,
While the Mocking-Bird warbled some other bird's
song :

eyes, lower part of the back, quill and tail feathers, black ;
feeds on shell fish; inhabits India.

The Nova-HoUand'i(£^ or New-Holland-Jabiru, has the
body above pnrplish-green, beneath, neck, and shoulders,
white; head purplish, spotted with white; first quill feathers
white ; tail black and white ; inhabits New Holland.

{'^°) Order, Passeres, (Linn.) Fly-Catcher, the Spotted,
the Pied, the Fantailed, Sec.

The genus Muscicapa, (Linn.) or Fly-Catcher, compre-
hends more than one hundred and seventy species scattered
over the warmer parts of the globe; the greater number inhabi-
tants of Australasia and Polynesia ; two found in this country.
They have a bill nearly triangular, notched at each side, bent
in at the tip, and beset with bristles at the root ; toes, mostly,
divided at their origin. The following deserve notice :

The Grisola, Spotte»-Fly-catcher, Cobweb, Rafter, Bee-
bird, Cherry -sucker, or Chanchider, is about the size of a titlark ;
body above brown, beneath whitish ; neck longitudinally spot-
ted. Inhabits Europe ; comes to this country some time in
May, and quits it in September ; builds in holes of walls or
hollow trees ; eggs four or five, pale, spx)tted with reddish ;
feeds on winged insects, but is fond also of cherries ; frequently
seen in woods where flies abound, darting in every direction in
pursuit of them; its note a simple weak chirp.

The Atricapillay Pied-Fly. Catchek, or Cold-Finch, is about
the size of a Linnet, and occasionally seen in this country, and is
said to be indigenous here ; it is, however, a scarce bird, said
to frequent uncultivated tracts of furze, and probably builds
there.

THE FLY-CATCHER — CAT-BIRD. 371

Delight of Columbia!* her woods, unto thee,
For ever be hallowed that home of the free,
Which the Spirit of Britain for ever pervades — >
Her hills and her vallies and far distant shades.f

The Addon is rusty-brown, beneath yellowish- white ; size of
the reed-thrush, and sings delightfully in the night; inhabits
Dauria. The i^uWcoWis, or Purple-Thuoateu-Fly-Catcher,
is black ; chin and throat with a large purple-red spot j twelve
inches long; gregarious; often associates with the toucan;
inhabits South America. The FlabeWfera, or Fan-tailed-
Fly-Catcher, is above olive, beneath ferruginous; length six
and a half inciies ; flies with its tail expanded like a fan ; is
easily tamed, and will sit on the shoulders and pick off flies as
they appear.

The Carolinensis, Cat-Fly -Catcher, or Cat-bird, {the Turdus
lividus of Wilson,) is nine inches long ; very common and very
numerous in the United States; colour a deep slate; notes
more remarkable for singularity than for melody ; mews like a
cat, or rather, according to Wilson, like a young kitten ; it
also imitates the notes of other birds ; attacks snakes. To the
stories told of the/a^t/ia^ion of snakes, Wilson gives no credit.

* For one song of the Mocking-Bird, see the Song of the
Manakin, and page 406; for the Mocking-Bird's Night Song,
see the conclusion of the second Part.

t The reflection that the pervading mind of the United States
of America is essentially British— liberal^ intelligent, is pecu-
liarly gratifying to a native of the United Kingdom. May
nothing, for the future, occur to disturb the harmony now sub-
sisting between us and our kindred of the west !

372

TO THE MOCKING-BIRD.

Tuidus Polyglottus. — (LiNN.)

Bird of Mockery ! Bird of Song !

To thee all discord's notes belong.
When, risen from his couch, the day
To ruddy labour hastes away.
And many a scansor*s screaming note
Through wood, o'er dell, is heard to float.
Thy mimic voice is present, loud.
As though of all discordance proud :
The Bell-bird's clang — the Parrot's prate—
Toucans loud hiss of fearful hate —
The Cat-Bird's mew — Goatsuckers Ha!
The Sawing-bird*s harsh, grating Ra —
By thee sent forth in mimic song ;
To thee all discord's notes belong.
But now, with silence, wait awhile ; —
What sounds shall soon the sense beguile !
Some Warbler, tenant of the shade.
Sends forth his song of sweetness made ;
By Thee the strain is instant caught.
And with more mellow sweetness wrought !

Bird of Mockery ! Bird of Song!

To thee all pleasing notes belong.

THE MOCKING-BIRD. 373

When day resigns to night his reign,
And stillness stretches o'er the plain.
Then, Bird of Melody ! thy note
Doth on the gales of ether float.
That note harmonious, truly thincy
Approaches strains almost divine :
When lifts the moon her lamp on high.
And dashes light o'er earth and sky.
Its warbling echoes onward roll.
And lap in feeling's bliss the soul.

Bird of Mockery ! Bird of Song !

To THEE all pleasing notes belong. (*^) •

(+') Order, Passeres, (Linn.) Mocking-Bird.

The Tuidus Polyghttus, (Linn.) Mocking-Bird, or Mimic-
Thrush, belongs to the numerous genus Turdus described iu
note (45) of the first Part. Itscolouris above dusky-ash, beneath
pale-ash; primary quill feathers white on the outer half; nine and
a half inches long; female nearly like the male ; feeds on berries,
fruits, and insects; eggs four or five, cinereous blue, spotted
with brown ; has two broods in a year ; found in Anierica,
from the States of New England to Brazil, and in many of the
adjacent islands ; more numerous in those states south of the
Delaware ; generally migratory iu the latter and resident in the
former ; a warm climate and low country not far from the sea are
most congenial to it ; sings occasionalfy as early as February; builds
in Georgia in April, in Pennsylvania in May, and in New York
and the New Englivpd States still later ; prefers a thorn bush, an
impenetrable thicket, an orange tree, a cedar or a holly bush ;
souietimes a pear or apple tree, often a short distance from a
dwelling-house ; time of incubation fourteen days, during which
the male will attack both cats and snakes with great courage ;

374 FOREIGN BIRDS.

The Great-Crown'd-Indian-Pigeon came cooing

aloud,
Of whom might the Papuan regions be proud.

the pretended fascination of these last being ineffectual, this
bird frequently destroying the noxious reptile.

The mocking-bird forms a striking exception to what is
generally esteemed the character of the birds of the new world,
where the rich, lively, and brilliant hues of the feathered race
are very often accompanied with harsh, monotonous, and disa-
greeable notes, but the mocking-bird is the most melodious of
all birds, the nightingale not excepted. Besides the charms of
its natural song, it has the power of imitating or counterfeiting
the notes of every bird of the woods; and, it is said, too, that
the songs which it repeats it improves. With all these qiialifi.
cations it is of very ordinary appearance compared with other
birds in the American woods. It is, however, fond of the vi-
cinity of man, and easily domesticated ; it perches upon trees
near the planter's houses ; and sometimes upon the chimney tops,
where it remains all night, pouring forth the sweetest and most
varied notes. From all that can be gathered concerning the
song of this bird, it appears that dunng the day its chief notes
consist of the imitations of the songs of its neighbours ; at night
its song is more peculiarly its own. It is in accordance with
this impression that two songs of the mocking-bird are given in
the text. See forwards.

It ought, however, to be mentioned, that different accounts
are given of this bird's song. Mr. Southey, in his Madoc, has
thus alluded to the Mocking-bird :

" Or gladlier now

Hearkening that chearful one, who knoweth all

The songs of all the winged choristers

And in one sequence of melodious sounds

Pours all their music."

Madoc f vol. ii. page 48.

THE MOCKING-BIRD. 375

The Ground-Pigeons tiny, from mountainous nest,

Came also to visit the King of the West.

In notes of sad seeming the Blue-Turtle-Dove

Evinc'd for his mate most affectionate love.

Of the Passengers, too, many myriads vsrere there,

And in cloudy-wav'd columns they darken'd the air.

In a note, page 235, of the same volume, Mr. Southey men-
tions Davis's Travels in America^ and the Mocking-bird. A
negress was heard lo exclaim, '* Please God Almighty, how
sweet that mocking-bird sing ! he never tire."

"By day and night it sings ahke ; when weary of mocking
others the bird takes up its own natural strain, and so joyous
a creature is it that it will jump and dance to its own music.
The bird is perfectly domestic, the Americans holding itsacred."
" Would," exclaims Mr. Southey, " that we had more of these
humane prejudices in England — if that word may be applied
to a feeling so good in itself and in its tendency."

The native notes of this bird, Wilson informs us, consist of
short expressions of two, three, or, at the most, of five or six
syllables, generally interspersed with imitations, and all of them
uttered with great emphasis and rapidity, and are continued
with undiminished ardour for half an hour or an hour at a time.
They have considerable resemblance to those of the Brown-
Thrush, another American bird, but may be easily distinguished
by their greater rapidity, sweetness, energy, and variety ; both
are called in many parts of the United States, Mocking-bird ;
but the brown thrush is the French, the other the English mocking-
bird. While this bird sings, his expanded wings and tail, his
buoyant gaiety of action, arrest the eye as his song irresistibly
does the ear; he mounts or descends as his song dies away ; —
he bounds aloft with the celerity of an arrow." (Bartram.)

His imitations are wonderfully like the notes of the birds
whom he imitates, so that the sportsmen are frequently deceived

376

FOREIGN BIRDS.

Besides these, many more came from regions re-
mote,
But whom to description we cannot devote.
Some sent by the Pigeon excuses to make ;
Some alleged inability journies to take :

by him. He loses little of his power and energy by confine-
ment. He whistles for tbe dog ; he squeaks ont like a hurt
chicken : the mewing of a cat, the creaking of a wheelbarrow,
the quivering notes of the canary, the clear whistling of the
Virginian nii^htingale, are alike by him distinctly and accurately
expressed.

Both in his native and his domesticated state, during the
stillness of night, as soon as the moon rises, he begins his solo,
and during the whole of the night makes the neighbourhood
ring with his inimitable melody.

There is very little difficulty in rearing these birds in America.
The eagerness with which they are sought after in the neigh-
bourhood of Philadelphia has rendered them extremely scarce
for many miles around that city. They have been known also
to pair and breed there in confinement. The price paid for a
mocking-bird at Philadelphia has been from seven to fifteen
dollars ; fifty have been paid for a remarkably fine singer.

We learn from a paper in the Philosophical Transactions , vol.
Ixii. part ii. page 284, by the Hon. Daines Barrington, that
a mocking-bird was once to be heard in London ; but here, it
seems, his notes were chiefly if not entirely the imitations of
the notes of other birds: "his pipe," says Mr. Barrington,
" comes nearest to our nightingale of any bird I have ever met
with." It is also, I understand, now to be seen occasionally in
London. A keeper of a menagery informs me that he gave five
pounds for one not long since.

THE OSTRICH. 377

As, the Ostrich, (**) and Emeu, well known in the

east ;
To credulity long both have furnished a feast;

(+2) Order, Grall^e, (Linn.) Ostrich, Emeu, Cassowary,
Rhea.

The genus Struthio, (Linn.) or Ostrich, is arranged by
Dr. Latham as a separate order, (Struthiones,) consisting,
with the Dodo, of four genera. It comprehends, without the
Dorfo, five species, not only the Ostrich so called, but also
the Emeu, the Cassowary, and the Rhea. This tribe has
been arranged under the order GALLiNiK by some authors.
Its characteristics are a subconicbill; oval nostrils; wings unfit
for flight ; feet formed for running. They are as follow : (the
Dodo is described in the next note.)

The Camelus, Ostrich, Black, or African-Ostrich, has
the feel two-toed ; plumage of the male black ; quill feathers
and those of the tail perfectly white : plumage of the female ash-
colour ; wings and tail black ; height from the top of the head to
the ground from seven to nine feet ; length from the beak to
the top of the tail the same; weight from eighty to one
hundred and fifty pounds, or perhaps more, and is said to be
the largest of birds. It is found in Africa, and the parts of
Asia adjoining, and in great plenty about the Cape of Good
Hope. The female is larger than the male.

From its scanty plumage and its great weight it cannot rise
in the air ; the covering of the body of this bird is composed of
downy hairs ; the thighs are large and muscular ; the legs scaly ;
the toes thick, having a striking similarity to those of a goat ;
the inner toe, including the claw, is seven inches ; the other,
which is without a claw, is about four inches long ; the eyelids
are furnished with hairs; on the breast is a callous, bare, and
hard substance, serving the bird to rest on when it bends for-
ward to sit on the ground ; on each wing are two spurs, about
an inch in length.

378

FOREIGN BIRDS,

Their structure— their manners from fable apart,
Are wondrous — then wherefore embellish with art ?

It is said that it never drinks. In its natural state grains
and fruit are its principal food ; but it will swallow, in confine-
ment, almost every thing, and that with greediness, such
as bits of iron, copper, glass, lead, &c. which sometimes
prove fatal to it; it swallows pebbles in its natural state,
most probably to assist the comminution of its food, like many
other birds, although its interior structure has, it is said, a great
affinity to that of quadrupeds. In some of our books of natural
history it is stated that the heart and lungs of this bird are
separated by a diaphragm j but Mr. Brookes, in a lecture at
the Zoological Society, April 25, 1827, on the Ostrich which
was lately dissected there, stated that the thorax and abdomen
were not separated by a diaphragm ; and the drawing which he
exhibited of the bird confirmed his statement. He also stated,
as a remarkable fact, that the intestinal canal of the Ostrich
was generally about eighty feet in length, while that of the
Cassowary was considerably shorter. The rings in the trachea
of this bird exceeded 200 in number ; its height was more than
nine feet. See page 51.

This bird was a female, which had been in the possession of
his Majesty for about two years; it died of obesity, and, from
its appearance, its weight must have been, it is presumed, more
than 150 pounds. Many gentlemen partook of the flesh. The
sexual organs and the kidneys differ, it is said, materially from
other birds; it has also two stomachs; the first is muscular,
and appears to act by trituration, in the other there is a gastric
liquor.

This bird prefers for its residence those mountainous and
parched deserts which are never refreshed by rain. In those
solitary regions they are seen in vast flocks, and are there
hunted on fleet Arabian horses, for their blood, their fat, and the
feathers found in the wings and tail ; these last have been sought
after more or less in all ages; it is said, however, that this bird

tttt AFRICAN-OSTRICH. 379

But whether the timid, tall Rhea was there,
As faithful historian, I cannot declare.
Still, still doth the hunter^ and thinks it no crime.
This tribe closely pursue.— Oh, when come shall the
time,

is occasionally domesticated, and that the finest feathers are
those obtained from the domesticated bird, from which they
are cut about thrice in two years. The skin is substituted for
leather by the Arabians. The flesh is said to be but indifferent
food, and eaten only by the Africans. The cry of this bird is
similar to that of a lion, but shorter.

Various accounts of the eggs and incubation of this bird have
been published ; the following is the most authentic, for which
I am indebted to Dr. Latham's work. The male is polyga-
mous, and, as has been stated, most probably highly salacious,
he being frequently found with two or three, or even five, fe-
males, who lay their eggs, which are white, in concert, to the
Dumber of ten or twelve each, which they all batch together,
the male taking his turn of sitting among them ; between
sixty and seventy eggs have been found in one nest. The egg
holds five pints and a quarter of liquid. Small oval pebbles,
the size of a pea, of a pale yellow colour, are often found in the
eggs ; from nine to twelve of these have been found, according
to Mr. Barrow, in one egg. The time of incubation is six weeks.
This takes place, it is said, at different times of the year, de-
pending upon the climate and latitude, whether north or south j
it is also said that the mode of incubation is different in different
places; thus, in very warm climates, the bird scarcely sits
upon her eggs at all, the heat of the sun being sufficient to
bring the young bird to maturity ; that, as the climate increases
in coldness, the female is more assiduous in her attentions.

Notwithstanding its size, it is generally considered, and
indeed is, a very stupid bird, displaying little intelligence or
ingenuity of any kind j and, although it is occasionally ridden

380 FOREIGN BIRDS.

That man, with superior intelligence fraught,
On such occupation shall not waste a thought :
When death, if the animal for him must die,
Shall be sudden and safe, and escape in a sigh ?*

like a horse in its native climate, it is said to be very unma*
nagcable and untractable.

" O'er the wild waste the stupid ostrich strays,
In devious search to pick her scanty meal,
Whose fierce digestion gnaws the teniper'd steel."
MiCKLE's Lusiad, Book v.

Such statements, often made, that this bird can digest steel
or iron, are founded in mistake ; it is true the bird will swallow
pieces of iron, but there is no evidence whatever that they are
digested.

The Rhea, Eifltu, Rhea, American-Emeu, or American-
OsTKiCH, is grey above, beneath white ; it has three toes oir
each foot, ^nd a round callus behind. It is by far the largest
bird found in the American continent, it being about six feet
high; the neck is long, head small, beak flat; but, in other
respects, resembles the Cassowary. Its voracity and speed are
similar to the Ostrich. Found in almost every part of South
America.

The uest is in a large hole in the ground, often with a little

• The hunting of Birds with dogs, except as setter?, is, in
this country, not now, I believe, practised ; it is devoutly to be
hoped that the hunting of oilier animals will ultimately give way
to a superior intelligence and the benevolent affections. The
author, when a school-boy, remembers being once on a hunting
excursion, and never but once ; that once was, for him, sufficient :
the hare was eaten up alive by the dogs / he will never forget the
horror with v\hich he beheld one of the gentlemen hunters exhibit
a leg, the only part left, with the fibres ^11 quivering. See the
House-Spakrow's Speech.

THE EMEU — THE CASSOWARY. 381

The Parrots, too, came, not of Afric or Ind ;
Yet loth their description the muse to rescind :
The Aterrimus, prince of the Psittacid tribe ; —
The Scarlet rob'd Lory its name will describe; —

straw at the bottom, on which the eggs are laid ; from sixty to
eighty have been found in one nest, and hence it has been
supposed that several females contribute to produce them, and
that each female lays sixteen or seventeen eggs; the egg con-
tains a^)out two pints of liquid. The flesh of the young is
reckoned good eating. It defends itself with its feet ; and
calls its young by a kind of hiss. They are exceedingly swift,
and with difficulty caught. This is a separate genus in Dr.
Latham's work, and there called Emeu.

The Casuarius, Emeu, Cassowary, or Galeated-Casso-
wAR Y, is brownish-black ; it has three toes on each foot ; helmets
and dewlaps naked. From the shortness of the legs and neck,
it is not so tall as the Ostrich; but its body is more heavy and
clumsy. Its helmet is the most remarkable of its characteristics ;
it reaches from the base of the bill to the crown, is nearly three
• iches in height, and at the root three in thickness. The wings
are still shorter than those of the Ostrich, and, of course, cannot
assist the bird to fly ; they are furnished with four hard pointed
feathers resembling darts; the feet are also armed with large
claws ; it is, nevertheless, peaceable and inoffensive ; never
attacking others; wlien attacked kicks like* a horse; pushing
down its assailant by running against him, and grunting like
swine; it is as voracious as the preceding species. Eggs nu-
merous, ash-coloured, or greenish spotted, some are white, about
fifteen inches in circumference one way, by twelve the other;
shells more thin and brittle than those of the Ostrich. Found in
the eastern parts of Asia towards the south, and the Molucca
Islands ; never met with out of the torrid zone.

The NovcE HoUandice^ New-Holland-Cassowary, Emeu of
Neiv South H'ales, Southern Cassowary, or Emeu, is nearly as tall

382 FOREIGN BIRDS.

The Banksian, black, crested, and bold Cockatoo,
With side tail-feathers ting'd of a bright crimson hue,
'Midst the woods of Australia delighting to rove ; —
Have never been seen in an Occident grove.

Some few Absentees to be named remain still:
The uncouth Dodo^^^) came not, nor Jealous-Horn-

BILL ;

as the black Ostrich, being not less than seven feet ten inches
high : like the rest of the genus, it runs with prodigious speed;
the bill is black ; head, neck, and body, covered with bristly fea-
thers, varied with brown and grey; throat nakedisb, bluish;
wings hardly visible ; legs brown. Inhabits New Holland,
where it is hunted with dogs, the skull or the jaw of which, ac-
cording to WenTworth, it sometimes fractures by a single
kick; the flesh is good; its weight varies from sixty to one
hundred and twenty pounds. It abounds with oil, which is
used for leather and other purposes.

The Casuarius Diemenianus, (Lath.) or Van-Diemen's Land
Cassowary, is not so large as the preceding, but much exceeds
the bustard in size ; its general colour is dark brown, with a
tinge of bUie or grey ; it has neither wings nor tail ; legs
stout, dirty bluish ; toes three, all placed forwards ; flesh said
to be well tasted ; eggs numerous, and very delicate ; inhabits
Van Diemen's Land.

The three last species are arranged under one genus by Dr.
Latham.

(*2) Order, Galling, (Linn.) Dodo, the Hooded, the
Solitary, the Nazarene.

The genus Didus, (Linn.) or Dodo, consists of three species
only; they have the bill narrowed in the middle, with two
transverse wrinkles, each mandible bent in at the tip ; nostrils
oblique ; face naked beyond the eyes ; legs short, thick ; feet
cleft; wings unfit for flight; tailless. They are arranged by

THE DODO — THE HORN-BILL. 383

As cruel as jealous, fierce conirost he;

Woe, woe to the lady, if foot mark should be ! {*'^)

Dr. Latham among the struthious tribe. Their specific cha-
racters are as follow :

The Ineptus, Dronte, or Hooded-Dodo, has the head
hooded ; bill strong, large, and bluish, with a red spot; plumage
black, waved with whitish; feathers of the rump curled, in-
cHning to yellow ; clawless ; three feet long; inhabits the Isles
of France and Bourbon.

The Soliiarius, or Solitary-Dodo, is varied with grey and
brown ; feet four-toed ; spurious wings, terminating in a round
protuberance. Female with a white protuberance each side
the breast resembling a teat ; size of a turkey ; never found in
flocks; egg one, larger than that of a goose ; time of incubation
seven weeks, at which process the male and female assist in turn;
the young are delicious food, for which they are hunted between
March and September; inhabits the island ofRodrique.

The NazarenuSf or Nazarene Dodo, is larger than the Swan ;
colour black, downy ; lays on the ground, in a nest made of
dry leaves and grass, one large egg ; inhabits the Isle of France.

(^) Order, PiCiE, {Limu) Horn-bill, the Philippine,
the Indian, the Undulate.

The genus Buceros, {Linn.) or Horn-bill, consists of
twenty-seven species, chiefly inhabitants of Asia and Africa.
They have a convex, curved, sharp-edged, large bill, sen-ate
outwardly, with a homy protuberance on the upper mandible
near the base ; tongue short, sharp-pointed ; feet gressorial.
Besides feeding on fruit, they are said also to devour mice, small
birds, reptiles, and even carcasses. The chief are the following :

The Bicornis, or Philippine-Hornbill, of which there are
two varieties. The first, is above black, beneath white, quill
feathers with a white spot j double horned at the fore part ; size
of a common hen ; inhabits the Philippine isles. The second.

384 rOREIGN BIRDS.

The Wattle-Bird {'^^) hiss'd in Australian groves ;
And the Sheath-bill C^^) was seeking for shell-fish
he loves.

lias the bill vermilion, hack and rump ash-brown ; belly black ;
feeds on fruit, which it swallows whole, and, after digesting the
bulk, casts up the stones ; has a voice resembling the grunting
of a swine, or the bellowing of a calf; said to be worshipped by
the Indians.

The Hydrocorax,, or Indian-Hornbill, inhabiting the Mo-
lucca Islands, has the protuberance flattened forwards ; it is
two feet four inches long j frequently tamed to destroy rats
and mice; it feeds on the wild nutmeg, which renders its flesh
peculiarly aromatic.

The Undulata, or Undulate-Hornbill, called by the na-
tives of Java, the Jealous-Hornbill, feeds the female du-
ring her incubation ; and, during his absence in search of food,
should he find, on his return, the marks of another bird near the
nest, he will, it is said, inclose the female in the nest, and leave
her to perish. — Horsfield.

(+5) Order yPicjE, (Lath) Wattle-Bird.

The genus Callceus, (Lath.) or Wattle-Bird, consists of
one species only, the Cinerea, or Cinereous-Wattle-Bird ; it
has an incurvate arched bill, the lower mandible shorter and
carunculate beneath at the base ; nostrils depressed, half co-
vered with a subcartilaginous membrane ; tongue subrartilagi-
nous, split and fringed at the top ; feet ambulatory ; length
fifteen inches; walks on the ground, seldom perches on trees;
feeds on berries, insects, and small birds -, makes a hissing and
murmuring noise ; flesh good ; inhabits New Zealand and
Australasia.

(+6) Order, GRALLiE,(l.atA.) Sheath- bill.

The genus Vaginalis, (Lath,) or Sheath-bill, consists of
one species only, the Albuj or White-Sheath-eill. It is

SHEATH-BILL — MENURA. 385

The New-Holland MENURA(*^)in meadow or wood.
Or on Van Diemen mountains, was seeking its food ;
And, perchance, even now, undiscovered remain.
On that CoNTiNENT-IsLE* — some Australian plain;—
Or where bursts the huge stream from the mountain's

cleft side ; —
Where, through woodlands and meadows its waters

may glide; —
Unable to swim, and unable to fly,
Many groups that description at present defy.

distingaished by a short, thick, conic, compressed bill, the upper
mandible covered above with a moveable horny sheath ; nostrils
small, placed before the sheath ; tongue above round, beneath
flattened, pointed at the tip ; face naked, papillous ; wings
with an obtuse excrescence under the flexure ; legs strong ;
four toed ; from fifteen to eighteen inches long ; feeds on shell-
fish and carcasses; inhabits New Zealand and the South Sea
Islands.

(*7) Order, Galling, (Lath.) New-Holland Menura.

The genus Menura, (Lath.) consists of one species only, the
Nova HollandicB, New-Holland Menura, or Mountain- Phea-
sant. It has a stout conico-convex black bill, and oval nostrils ;
legs long, black, very strong, formed for walking, and covered
with large scales; along tail, consisting of sixteen loose webbed
feathers, the two middle ones narrow, and greatly exceeding
the others in length ; the outer one on each side broader
and curved at the end; size of a hen pheasant; the whole
length more than three feet and a half; plumage above brown,
fore part of the neck rufous, beneath brownish-ash. The female,
in colour, resembles the male, but is much smaller. Found in
the mountainous districts of New Holland, where it is said to be

* New Holland, or Australia.

3H6 FOREIGN BIRDS.

Yet the Channel-Bill(*^) came from a region as far j
Andthatscansortoocame,theloDg-biirdJACAMAR.(*^

rare ; flesh supposed to be good ; but we want more infoTmation
concerning tins, most probably valnable, bird.

C^s) Order, PicMf(Lath.) Channel-bill.

The genus Scythrops, (Lath.) or Channel-bill, consists
of one species only, the Psitlacus, which is found in New South
Wales. It has a large, convex, sharp-edged, pale-brown bill,
tipt with yellowish and channeled at the sides, point hooked j
nostrils naked, rounded at the base; tongue cartilaginous, split
at the point ; feet scansile ; head, neck, and upper parts of the
body pale bluish-grey; back, wings, and tail, cinereous; size of
a crow, but, from its long tail, its whole length is two feet two
inches.

(^^) Order, Picje, (Lath.) Jacamar.

Of the genus Galbula, (Lath.) or Jacamar, five species
have been described ; inhabitants of South America. They
have a straight, very long, quadrangular bill ; tongue short,
sharp-pointed; thighs downy on the fore part; feet scansile.
They are generally about the size of a lark, and feed on insects ;
some of them fly in pairs.

(5°) Order, Passeres, (Lath.) Coly.

The genus Colius, (Lath.) or Coly, consists of eleven spe-
cies ; they have a short thick bill, convex above and flat be-
neath, upper mandible bent down at the tip ; tail long, wedged;
toes three before, one behind, but capable of being occasionally
varied so as to have all in front. These birds live universally
on fruits, not feeding on grains or insects; they are gregariou
even during incubation, their nests being made in society;
they do not perch like other birds, or leap from branch to
branch; nor do they even walk nimbly; for, resting on the
whole length of the leg, they drag the belly after them.
They grow very fat, are well flavoured, and much sought after

THE UMBRE — THE PINGUIN". 387

But nor Coly(5°) nor Umbre(^*) would daringly brave
The breeze of the west, and Atlantic's high wave.
Nor could come from the south, with his rudiment wing,
The PiNGUiN (5') unwieldy, to honour the king.

as food. They are inhabitants of the Cape of Good Hope,
Senegal, and India. These birds are called at the Cape, Mouse
Birds, from their soft plumage and their frequently creeping
about the roots of trees. The Leuconotus, or White-backed-
CoLY, is twelve inches long; its general plumage bluish-ash;
eggs five or six, rose-coloured ; inhabits the Cape of Good Hope.
(5^) Order, Grall^, (Lath.) Umbre.
The genus Scopus, (Lath.) or Umbre, consists of one species
only, the Umhretta, or Tufted-Umbre; it has a long, thick,
compressed bill, a little hooked ; nostrils linear, oblique ; feet
four-toed, cleft; a thick, tufted, lax crest; body brown; tail
obscurely barred; twenty inches long; legs longish ; female
not crested ; inhabits Africa.

(52^) Order, Palmipedes, (Lath.) Pinguin.
The genus APTENODYTES,(Laf/t.) Pinguin, or Penguin, which
consists of fifteen species, is distinguished by a straight bill, wings
fin-shaped, without quill feathers; fiet fettered, four-toed ; tail
short, wedged ; feathers very rigid ; is seen only in the temperate
and frigid zones of the southern hemisphere ; the same as may be
said of the auk in the northern hemisphere : none of either of these
genera of birds has been, it is said, observed within the tropics.
Notwithstanding there is a great similarity between this genus and
the alca, or auk, there is, nevertheless, one peculiarity which
decidedly distinguishes the Pinguin from the last-named bird :
the Pinguin, while swimming, sinks quite above the breast, the
head and neck only appearing, while the auk, in common witli
other aquatic birds, swims on the surface. It is remarkably
dexterous in the water, yet it is a stupid race of birds,
and, when on land, easily taken. Some of this tribe lay
their eggs in the deserted nest of the Albatross ; see note (14).
The following deserve notice:

s2

388 FOREIGN BIRDS.

Nor that tiny Hirundinidj he of the east,

Of his tribe the most singular, while, too, the least ;

Not, like martins or swallows, with clay or with loam.

Such vulgar materials ! constructs he his dome :

Within walls of pure gelatine, little beside,

The Esculent-Swallow* delights to reside ;

The Detnersa,or Cape-Pinguin, is twenty-one inches long;
plumage above black, of the head and throat dirty grey ;
breast, belly, and tail, white ; the two short appendages in
place of wings black above, white on the lower edge, white
varied with black beneath. Swims and dives well, but hops
and flutters in a strange awkward manner on land, and, if
hurried, stumbles perpetually ; will frequently run for some dis-
tance like a quadruped, making use of the finny wings instead
of leg?, crying out like a goose, but in a much hoarser voice.
Said to clamber some way up the rocks to make a nest, in doing
which it assists with the bill. Eggs two, white, size of a duck,
very good ; these birds are sometimes kept tamo, but do not
survive the confinement many months. Inhabits the Cape of
Good Hope.

The Magellanica, or Magellanic-Pinguin, is two feet or
more long, and weighs eleven pounds ; voice not unlike the
braying of an ass ; flesh not unpalatable, but of a musky
flavour. Eggs size of a goose, and laid in pairs, are good ;
they are deposited in places where many of the tribe associate.
Inhabits Falkland Islands.

The Chrysocome, CrestedPinguin, or Hopping-Pinguin,
is a beautiful bird, twenty-three inches long, inhabiting the
Falkland Islands, the Isle of Desolation, New Holland, &c.
Called Hopping from its habit of leaping quite out of the water
on meeting with the least resistance.

• For an account of this bird, see page 158 ; for its nest, see
the Introduction, page 23.

THE PINGUIN— THE WEAVER-BIRD. 389

While mandarins, monarchs, demand oft his nest,
Which to luxury ministers many a zest.
Nor whispers report that those textors were there.
Who richjbombycine filaments, choose with much care:
Those Weaver-birds (") that, with a tapestry select,
The walls of their prisons have often bedeck'd.

The Patachonica, orPAXAGONiAN-PiNGUiN, is the largest of
the genus, being above four feet long, and weighs forty pounds.
Back of a deep ash colour, each feather bluish at tlje tipj be-
neath pure white ; on each side of the head, beginning und^er
the eye, and behind it, is a broad stripe of fine yellow ; usually
found very fat j flesh black, though not very unpalatable.
Found in the Falkland Islands, New Georgia, &c.

The Aastralis, or Apterous-Pinguin, (called Apterix Aus-
tralis in Shaw's Zoology,) is the size of a goose; the rudiments
of wings quite hid in the plumage. Inhabits New Zealand.

(") The Orio/««/c.T<or,(LflifA.) Weaver, or Weever Oriole,
is the size of the Golden-oriole ; body orange-yellow ; quills
and tail dusky, edged with oratigc ; legs flesh colour. Inhabits
Senegal. Works silk between the wires of its cage ; it prefers
green and yellow to any other colour.

The Emberiza textrix, {Laih.) Weaver-Bunting, or Wea-
ver-bird, is the size of a house-sparrow ; bill and legs horn-
colour; over each eye and down the middle of the crown
a streak of yellow ; sides of the head mottled yellow and black ;
rump and under parts yellow : on the middle of the breast a
broad black streak, a little divaricated at the sides ; tail dusky.
In the winter the yellow disappears and the bird becomes very
like a common sparrow. Supposed to be a native of Africa.
This bird, like the Weaver-oriole , weaves silk in a curious manner
between the wires of its cage, whence it has obtained, as well
as the Oriole, its specific name. It is occasionally to be seen in
cages in this country. I have not been able to acquire any in.
formation concerning its nest, eggs, nor any other of its habits.

390

FOREIGN BIRDS*

Still remains a small niche in the temple of fame.
For a few whom we here seek permission to name.
The rare Plantain-Eater ('*) of beautiful hues,
Consisting of purple and violet-blues ; —
The Cream-coloured Courser, C^) of Europe the

guest ;—
And the African Fin-foot ; C^) one too of the west ;

(54) Order, Pic^, (La^/t.) Plantain-Eater.
Of the genus Musophaga, (Lath.) or Plan tain -Eater,
two species bave been described. One, the Violacea^ov Violet-
Plantan-Eater, h a beautiful bird, distinguished by a short,
triangular, yellow bill ; tongue entire, stont; toes three before,
one behind; length nineteen inches, of which the tail makes
more than six; the top of the head purple ; neck, breast, body,
and wings, violet ; prime quill feathers purple in the middle.
Found in Guinea, and said to live principally on tiie plantain ;
it is a very rare bird.

(55) Order, Grall^, (Lath.) Plover, the Cream-CO'

LOURED, &c.

The genus Cursorius, (Lath.) or Courser, consists of
four species; they differ chiefly from the genus CharadiiuSf or
Plover, in the shape of the bill, which is sharp, bent at the
point, and slender. The Eurupaus, or Cream-coloured
Plover, is ten inches long, the general plumage cream-colour,,
palest beneath; inhabits Europe, though a rare bird; once
taken in France. The Asiaticus, or Coromandel- Plover, is
the size of the preceding. The head and fore parts, as far as
the breast, a reddish-chesnut ; chin white ; back, wings, and
tail brown, upper part of the belly dusky, the rest, beneath,
rump, and tip of the tail, white ; quills black. Inhabits
Coromandel.

(56) Order, Pin.natipedes,(L'/<A.) Fin-foot, the African,,

the American.

The genus Pieropusj or Fin-foot, of Dr. Latham, cor:-

THE FIN-FOOT— THE COUCAL. 391

The CoucAL Gigantic, (") Australia's own; —
The ash-grey Cereopsis; ('*) there also well known;

sists of two species ; the bill is moderately curved and
elongated ; nostrils linear ; body depressed ; tail somewhat
cuneiform ; legs short ; toes four, three before, one behind,
and furnished with an indented or scolloped membrane. They
areas follow: The Africanus, or African Fin-foot, is the
size of a coot ; length eighteen inches ; bill formed like that of
a diver ; plumage above brown, with several butF coloured
spots, margined with black, chin and throat white, beneath
rufous; inhabits Africa. The Surinamensisj or American Fin-
foot, Surinam- Darter, Surinam-Tern, or Sun-bird, is the size of
a teal ; inhabits Surinam ; known there by the name of Sun-bird;
from its frequently expanding the tail and wings, at the same
time, it has been thought to resemble that luminary. See a
further description of thiia bird under Darter, note (21), page 343.

(57) Order, Pic^, (La/fc.)CoucAL, the Giant, the Pheasant.

The genas Polophilus, or CoucAL, of Dr. Latham, is allied
to the cuckoo tribe, and consists of seventeen species; the beak
is strong and slightly curved ; nostrils straight, elongated ; toes
two forwards, two behind, the interior furnished with a long claw.
The Gigas, Giant, or Gigantic Coucal, is thirty inches long;
inhabits New Holland. The Phasianus, Pheasant-Coucas,
Pheasant-Cuckoo, or Pheasant, inhabits also New Holland ; it is
about eightet-n inches long.

(58) Order, GRALLiE, (Lath,) Cereopsis.

the genus Cereopsis, (Lath.) consists of one species only,
{\ie Nova Jiollandia:, or New Holland-Cereopsis ; it has a
short convex bill, bent at the tip ; head wholly covered beyond
the ears with a rough yellow skin or cere ; at the bent of the

392 FOREIGN BIRDS.

In his crimson and black too the Barbican(59) bright;
The Erodia,(*^) both active and handsome, in white ;

wing a bliint knob; tail short, legs stout; toes cloven; size of
a small goose; length nearly three feet ; plumage ash-grey, be-
neath paler; legs orange colour. Inhabits New Holland,
Flesh good.

(59) Order, Pic^, (Lath.) Barbican, the Abyssinian.

The genus Pogonius, or Barbican, of Dr. Latham, consists
of six species, distinguished by a very stout and bent bill ; toes,
two before, two behind. Most of these were formerly arranged
under the genus Barbet. The Saltii (Bucco Saliii,) Abyssinian-
Barbican, or Abyssinian -Barhet, is the most worthy of notice.
The general colour is a fine glossy black; forehead, as far as the
crown, sides, including the eyes, chin, and throat, fine crimson ;
upper wing coverts black, edged with white, quills dusky, the
outer margin fringed for the most part with yellow ; length
seven inches ; observed to cling about branches of trees like
the woodpecker. Brought from Abyssinia by Mr. Salt.

(^°) Order, GRALLiE,(LQ</t.) Erody, the Abyssinian, the

PONDICHERRY.

The genus Erodia, or ERODY,(/-af/j.) consists of three species ;
they have a bill nearly straight ; sharp at the end, the two man-
dibles not closing the whole of their length ; face covered with,
feathers ; legs long ; middle toe connected to the inner by a mem-
brane as the first, and to the outer to the second joint ; hind
toe long.

The Amphilensis, or Abyssinian-Erody, is the size of
the Avoset ; length fifteen inches ; the plumage generally
white, but the back, as far as the middle, is black. Found

THE KRODY — THE MALKOHA. 393

The Scansor Malkoha, (*^') beneath the fierce sun,

Indigenous found in the isle of Ceylon :

Unknown whether all, whether any were seen

O'er the dell's winding course, on its trees* shady green.

In such an assembly — birds various and rare.
Various habits and manners, of course, too, were there ;
There was kindness and gentleness — insolence loud ;
There was pert, noisy ignorance — sullenness proud ;
There was elegance graceful, and airiness light ;
And affection in robes neither splendid nor bright ;

in the Bay of Amphila in Abyssinia ; feeds on marine prodnc-
ti«ns. They are handsome active birds.

The Pondiceriana, Pondicherry-Erody, or Pondicherry-
Heron, and the Indian-Erody, twenty-two inches long,
with plumage dusky-white j lower part of the back, quillsi,
outer edge of the wings, and tail, black ; inhabit India.

(•5^) Order, PiCiE, {Lath.) Ma;^koha.

The genvLsPhoenicophaus, or Malkoha, of Dr.LATHAM, consists
of five species ; they have a stout bill, longer than the head, curved
from the base and smoot^i edged ; nostrils linear near the margin ;
wings short ; toes two before, two behind. The following is
the chief:

The Pyrrhocephalus, Red-headed-Malkoha, or Red-
headed-Cuckoo, is sixteen inches long ; sides of the head and
round the eyes wholly bare of feathers, appearing rough or
granulated, and of a reddish-orange colour ; plumage above
greenish-black, beneath white; tail very long; the feathers^
for some length towards the tip, white. Inhabits Ceylon, where
it is called Malkoha.

394 FOREIGN BIRDS.

There was gallantry, too, that the soul might entrance ;
And love shot his bright and his heart- thrilling glance.
The great loud himself, who was quite at his ease,
Seem'd to say to his Vassals ** now do as you please !'*
The signal thus given, many Birds of the throng
Sought various diversion the cool shades among.
Some flew in high circles ; some leap'd ; others sang ;
And the Bell-birds repeated their loud and harsh

clang.
To the wood pensive lovers in silence retir'd,
To hear the warm vows long and often desir'd.
The Parrots (***) were prating, of what who may

know?
The Macaavs on the palms made a beautiful show :

(") Order, Pic^, (Linn.) Parrot, Cockatoo, Lory,
Paroquet, Macaw, &c.

The genus Psittacus, {Linn.) or Parrot, comprehends
nearly two hundred and forty species; the distinguishing cha-
racteristics of the tribe are a hooked bill, the upper mandible
as well as the lower moveable and not connected, and in one
piece with the skull, as in most other birds, but is joined to
the head by a strong membrane on each side, which lifts and
depresses it at pleasure; feet formed for climbing. The
genus may also be subdivided into those having a long
wedge-shaped tail; and those with a short tail equal at the
end, including the Cockatoos and Loriesj gentrally, but not
altogether.

The Parrot is an intratropical bird, and generally found within
from twenty-four to twenty-live degrees of latitude on each side
of the equator. Yet there are some exceptions to this : it is oc-
casionally seen as far south as the straights oi Mugellanf in Van

THE PARROT. 395

One in robes of rich purple, of azure and gold —
Such, the eye became dazzled its tints to behold ;

Diemeii's Land, and on the Ohio. Although it lives in temperate
climates it does not frequently breed there. It is remarkable
too in this race of birds, that those in the new world are totally
distinct from those of the old ; a proof that the Parrot has not
great powers of fliyht; indeed, it is said, that several islands in
the West Indies have their peculiar Parrots, they not being
able to fly from one island to another. They are, in their na-
tive climates, the most numerous of the feathered tribes.

It will be impossible in this note to do justice to the genus; I must,
therefore, content myself with a summary of their most striking
characteristics ; parrots are, besides, so extremely well known
in this country, that a long description of them is rendered for
this reason mucii less necessary; their power of imitating the
human voice, and other sounds, is well known ; but it may be
observed that almost all the sounds which they utter, at least
those which they utter in this country, are extremely har^sh and
discordant ; and for a long continuance very disagreeable.

The beauty of their plumage has always and deservedly been
much admired. They are, however, so various in size as well as
in colours, that it would be endless to recount their numerous
gradations.

** The Parrots swung like blossoms on the trees."

Montgomery's Pelican Island.

In its wild state, the parrot feeds on almost every kind of fruit
and grain; but, of all food, it is said to be the fondest ofcarthamus,
or bastard saffron, which, though strongly purgative to man,
agrees with it very well. It is liable to various diseases ; many of
them are said to die of epilepsy ; it is, nevertheless, very long
lived ; some have attained the age of sixty years, or more; from
twenty to thirty years is their more common period of existence,

396 FOREIGN BIRDS.

The Illinois-Parrot, in bright silky green,
With fine yellow tints, blue reflections was seen ;

after which the bill, it is said, becomes so much hooked that
they lose the power of taking food.

Parrots build, for the most part, in the hollow of rotten
trees; when the tree is not fully rotten, and the hole not large
enough for their reception, they widen it with their bills j the
nest is lined with feathers. They can only be successfully
tamed when taken young. The flesh of parrots, it is said,
always partakes of the peculiar taste of their food ; some
of the small tribes of Paroquets are occasionally sought after by
the savages (at the time they feed upon the ripe guata) as deli-
cate food.

An account has lately appeared in tlie newspapers of a
Parrot that died in this country at the age of seventy-seven.

The taste of parrots appears to be more acute than that of
most other birds, they being more choice in the selection of
parts of the food which is given them, than the generality of
birds.

Parrots have, from the splendour of their colours, and from
their loquacity, much excited the attention 3f mankind. A
poem entitled Ver-Vert, or the Nunneiy Parrot, written in French,
by Gresset, has also numerous admirers ; it was translated
into easy verse by Cooper, and since by Dr. OeooeS'; the first
translation is to be preferred :

" Beauteous he was, and debonnair.
Light, spruce, inconstant, gay, and free.
And unreserved as youngsters are,
Ere age brings on hypocrisy ;
In short a bird from prattling merit,
Worthy a convent to inherit."

Canto L

THE COCKATOO — THE LORY — THE MACAW. 397

The Paradise-Parrot in splendour was bright;
Paroquets, Popinjays, wore the plumes of delight.

The following siimmary will complete this notice of the
Parrot tribe :

The common names of Parrots are very various j they are
known as Cockatoos, Lories^ ParoquetSj MacawSj AmatonSf CrikSj
Popinjays J Parrots, Sfc,

The O'istatusy or Yellow-Crested-Cockatoo, is white,
with a yellow crest; eighteen inches long; crest five; the
gentlest and the most docile of the tribe. Found in all the
tropical regions of India. The Cockatoos are the largest
Parrots of the old continent. The Aterrimus, Black-Cockatoo,
or Indian-Crow, is more than three feet long; whole body black.
Found chiefly in New Holland. The Erythacus, Hoary -
Parrot, or Jaco, of which there are several varieties, is most
frequently imported into Eutope at present, and, when properly
taught, is a good adept at language. The body is a beautiful
grey ; length twenty inches. It is a native of Africa.

The Garni/MS,CERAM, or Scarlet- Lory, of which there are many
varieties, is a native of the Moluccas ; its general colour is red ;
it is the most spirited and gay of the whole race; the name
Ijory is given to it from such sounds being frequently repeated by
this bird. The Guineensis, or Yellow-breasted-Lory, is
found chiefly in New Guinea and the Molucca Islands ; ten
inches long; from its beautiful plumage, and the ease with
which it may be taught to speak, it generally obtains in Europe
a great price ; a single bird has, it is said, been sold for twenty
guineas ! The Alexandri, or ALEXANnRiNE-pARROT, is green?
found in the South of Asia and Ceylon : this bird was well
known to the Romans in the time of Pliny.

The Macao, or RED'and-BLUE>MACAW, is one of the most
superb of the Parrot tribe : the purple, the gold and the azure,
excite no ordinary interest; it is nearly three feet long. Eggs

398 FOREIGN BIRDS.

The Goatsuckers' notes, too, were now heard again}
And the Woodpeckers uttered their dissonant
strain.

two, which it lays twice a year, about the size of a pigeon's;
the male and female share alternately the office of incubation.
Found within the tropics in America and the West Indies.
The ^stivuSj Amazon, or Common-Parrot^ is green, slightly
spotted with yellow ; there are many varieties. The Ochroce-
phalus, or Ykllow-headed-Parrot, belongs to the class
called Criks by the French writers ; this, and the Amazon, or
Common Parrot, are, of all the American Parrots, most easily
taught to speak.

The Popinjays are distinguished from all the preceding by
having no red on their wings. The Paradisi, or Paradise*
Parrot, is a very beautiful species of Popinjay; the whole body
is yellow, and all the feathers bordered with a sort of gilding.

The Paroquets are extremely numerous and diversified ; when
properly tamed they are good speakers ; one of this tribe laid
once in England five or six small white eggs. The Aureus, or
Golden-Paroquet, is a beautiful bird.

The CarolinensiSf Carolina-Parrot, Illinois- Parrot, or Caro-
lina-Parakeet, is said by Wilson to be the only one of this nume-
rous tribe of birds found native within the territory of the United
States ; it is a very hardy bird ; enduring cold much better than
the generality of the tribe; it is found, however, chiefly in the
states west of the Alleghany mountains. It is said to build in
companies in hollow trees. This bird is thirteen inches long,
and twenty-one in extent. The general colour of the plumage
is a bright, yellowish, silky green, with light blue reflections »
lightest and most diluted with yellow below.

The Cookii, or Cook's-Cockatoo, (Temminck, Linn.
Transact, vol. xiii.) is a fine bird, a native of New Holland,
a dried specimen of which is to be seen in the museum

cook's-cockatoo. 399

Some Warblers were eager their carols to sing,
And thus they delighted the Vulturid King.

of tlie Linnean Society ; it is about twenty-two iociies
long ; the general plumage is black ; the feathers of the head
long, and forming a fine crest ; tail long, the two middle fea-
thers of which are black, the others the same at the base and
ends, but the middle, for more than one tliird of their length, a
fine crimson.

This bird has been called, by some authors, Banksian-
CoCKATOO, but very improperly as anotlier, 4be Psittacus
Banksiif is distinguished by that name. The Banksian Cockatoo
mentioned in page 382 is tlie Cookii described above, and not
the Banksii ; this last is by no means so striking or splendid a
bird as the former, and, therefore, it has not been deemed
necessary to describe it.

It is to be regretted that those to whom the opportunity is
given of bestowing names do not bestow them with more sci-
entific discrimination. How much soever we may respect the
names of Cook and Banks, surely this bird might have a much
more appropriate and discriminating specific term« applied
to it : for example, Psittacus niger ; or, if this name be already
engaged, some other, equally discriminating and appropriate,
should be given. In science^ the practice of distinguishing persons
rather than facts ought to be discarded. It was this mode of
giving names that contributed to retard and obscure, for ages,
the science of chemistry.

400

THE CANARY-BIRD'S SONG.

Fringilla Canaria.—(LitiN.)

Let city birds in cages sing,
Such, such are not for me ;

I love the freedom of the wing ;
I love my liberty.

Be city birds, like monks immur'd,

Such life is not for me;
It cannot, will not be endur'd,

By love or liberty.

Let city birds luxurious live —

Do nothing — yet to me
No charm hath idleness to give; —

No charm hath luxury.

The pleasure of pursuit is much—

I love to seek my food ;
I love to hear my neighbours touch

Their flutes in grove or wood.

Besides, I love to meet my fair

Within the shady dell.
At noontide eve or morning rare.

My tender tale to tell.

THE CANARY-BIRD'S SONG. 401

Of city birds then tell me not—

Their lives, their luxury ;
I much prefer my country cot,

With love and liberty.

To pick seeds out of glass or gold,

To sing in marble hall.
Is what some birds, I have been told,

The highest pleasure call.

Give me, I have no other wish,

The freedom nature gave —
Her water and her simplest dish,

But make me not a slave.* ("')

* Beattie lias touch'd similar chords :

** Rise sons of harmony and hail the morn,
While warbling larks on russet pinions float
Oi acck, at noon, the woodland scene remote,
Where the grey linnets carol from the hill.
O let them ne'er, with artificial note,
To please a tyrant, strain the little bill.
But sing what heaven inspires and wander where they will."

Minstrel, Book 1.

(<53) Order, Passeres, (Linn.) Canary-Bird.

The Fringilla Canaria^ (Linn.) Canary, Canary-Bird, or
Canary-Finchy consists of two varieties j one having the bill and
body straw'colour ; quill and tail feathers greenish; the other
with body above brown j eye-brows yellow. The prevailing
colour of this bird is, however, yellow^ mixed with grey ; but, in a
state of nature, it is said that it is chiefly grey. Other varieties,

402 FOREIGN BIRDS.

or lather, perhaps, sub-varieties, have been described to the
nninber of uearly thirty, arising doubtless from domestication
and admixture with other birds of the Finch and Bunting tribe.
It is about the size of a goldfinch. The first variety inhabits
the Canary islands, whence its name ; the second variety,
Africa, and it is said also St. Helena, where it sings much
better than the common canary found in cages in this country.
It is also found at Palma, Fayal, Cape Verd, and Madeira, as
well as at the Canaries.

This bird is supposed to have been first brought into Europe
in the thirteenth or fourteenth centnry ; Gesner, who flourished
in the sixteenth, is the first naturalist who mentions it ; and
when Aldrovandus published his work on birds in 1599, it was
esteemed a great rarity. It is easily tamed, and is domesticated
almost every where for its delicate plumage and beautiful song.
It feeds on various seeds, chiefly on those of hemp and canary
grass; it is prolific with most of the other species of the finch,
and even with some which are usually considered as belonging
to a diflferent genus, such as the yellow-hammer, Emberiza
Citrinella. The canary male is, however, more shy than the
female, and will aAaucioto with no fom»lc but his own sperie«.

The age of this bird extends to fourteen or fifteen years. Of the
eggs and incubation of this bird in its natural state I have not
been able to obtain any account. In its domestic state it
doubtless partakes of the nature of those birds with which it
might happen to be associated. The eggs of the Jinch tribe are
generally about five in number, and whitish, with rufous spots.
For others of the^ncA tribe, see pages 252, 262, and 280.

They breed without difficulty in confinement in this and many
other countries; the male and female both assist in forming
the nest.

It is said, too, that the song of the Canary-birds bred in this
country is usually composed of the notes of the Titlark and the
Nightingale j but, although this may be occasionally true, it is

THE CANAAY-BIRD. 403

not, I suspect, a general truth. There is, surely, probability
that the Canary has a song of its own.

1 am, however, indebted to Mr. Yarrel for the following
particulars of the domesticated Canary-Bird, of which he has
several eggs, produced by the genuine 8pecies, without any ad-
mixture.

" Whatever the materials are of which the Canary forms its
nest, or what the colour of its eggs in its native islands, I do
not know ; but, in this country (having bred them myself), they
make a compact nest of moss and wool closely interwoven, very
similar to the nest of the Linnet and the Redpole j the egg is also
very like that of the Linnel^ but somewhat smaller, the ground
colour white, slightly tinged with green, spotted and streaked
with dark red at the larger end ; in number four or five.

" However domestication may change the feather, I have no
reason to believe that it produces any alteration in the colour
of the egg; and, in this instance, both the nest and eggs agree
closely with the other species of the genus to which the Canary
belongs.

*' Domestication, though continued for years, produces no
chaugp. in the eggs of phpasants, &c. &-c."

The Canary has been known to breed in confinement in this
country six or eight times a year !

While the Man akin murmured a tremulous song.
The Mocking-bird followed with music aloncj.

: 404

THE MANAKIN'S SONG.

Pipra Musica. — (Linn.)

I would sing with much pleasure, but oh! its so shocking,

The instant I open my bill and begin,
That insolent bird, which some call, I think, mocking,

Repeats all my notes in unmannerly din.

Already you hear him ! I can't go on singing :
You, I know, will excuse me : indeed I'm unwell.

Whoe'er can endure, for a moment, such ringing
Of changes ? — his voice is just like a crack'd bell.

Alas! he'll not suffer me even to utter

A word of complaint ! I beseech you to hear :

Be my notes high or low, or a warble, a mutter.
Be they loud, be they soft, be they distant or near.

What then is this mockery? weapon of witlings,
To whom WISDOM and truth are both often un-
known ?
Who, in order to shine like some little Tomtitlings,
Sport the bright thoughts of others, and call them
their own. (***)

(^*) Order, Passeres, (Linn.) Manakin, the Tuneful,
the Rock.

The genus Pipra, (Linn.) or Manakin, comprehends more
than forty species, inhabitants of the warm climates of Asia,
Africa, and America; they have the bill shorter than the head,
strong, hard, nearly triangular at the base, and slightly incurved

405
THE MOCKING-BIRD'S SONG.

Turdus Polyglottiis.—(JLiyK.)

I now sing with much pleasure, my notes never shocking ;

Know ye not that, before I look round and begin,
I'm that musical bird, which some choose to call

MOCKING,

And my notes oft respond in melodious din.

Already you hear me ! I must go on singing :

You, I know, will excuse me ; I'll try to sing well :

You all will be pleas'd, I doubt not, with my ringing
Of changes, — much better than those on a bell.

Delightful! permit me my feehngs to utter ;

Not a word of complaint shall you now from me hear:
Be my notes low or high, or but merely a mutter ;

Be they soft, be they loud, or far distant, or near.

Then welcome, dear mockery 1 charmer of witlings.

To whom WIT, if not wisdom, hath long time been

known ;

Who, to shine like bright stars, not as silly Tomtitlings,

Sport of others the thoughts much improv'd by their

own.

at the tip ; nostrils naked ; feet gressorial ; tail short. The fol-
lowing are the chief:—

The Musica, or Tune ful-Manakin, is black, beneath orange;
front and rump yellow ; crown and nape blue ; chin, throat,

406 FOREIGN BIRDS.

and legs, black ; four inches long; inhabits St. Domingo; is very
shy, and easily eludes the vigilance of those who attempt to
take it, by perpetually skipping, like the creeper, to the. oppo-
site branches of the tree : its note is musical, and forms a com-
plete octave, one note regularly succeeding another.

The RupicolOf Rock or Crested-Manakin, Cock-of-the-Rockj
or Hoopoe-Hen, is a showy and elegant bird ; the crest is erect,
very large for the size of the animal, and edged with purple ;
bill yellowish ; body bright, reddish orange, varied in the wings
with white and brown ; legs yellow, size of a pigeon ; length
from ten to twelve inches ; eggs two, white ; builds in the clefts
of remotest rocks; shy, but may be tamed if taken young ; feeds
on small wild fruit. Female and young birds brown ; inhabits
the rocky parts of South America.

The Manacus, or Black-capped-Manakin, is black above,
beneath white ; spot on the neck, above, and on the wings,
white ; bill black, legs yellow ; it is a restless bird ; gregariwis j
and inhabits the woods of Guiana.

The Minutay or Little-Manakin, is greyj head black,
speckled with white ; size of a small wren ; inhabits India.

For an account of the Mocking-bird, see page 373; but it
may be stated here that its day-sow» consists generally of the imi-
tations of the notes of other birds; its night-song, {^Qt forward,)
is its own.

407

THE ORIOLE'S SONG.

Oriolut Nidipendulus^ — (Linn.)

" He who'd live a happy life,
Let him Uveas we;
We defy both care and strife, —
Are from sorrow free."

Thb Lark's Song.

You may sing of your dells,
Of your groves and your trees,

Of your vallies and fells.
Of your cool mountain breeze :

You may prattle to solitude

All the day long ;
And let none but the wood

Hear your voice or your song :

You may sing of the sorrow

Of love-dying swain ;
Or of maidens who sigrh

For their charmers in vain ;

You may sing of Savannahs,

And swamps, and the fall
Of the fam'd Niagara ; —

Sublime may it call.

408 FOREIGN BIRDS.

Give me a rich field

Heavy laden with corn,
Just before its consign'd

To the planter's strong barn.

Give me too, — its the zest

Of the Oriole's life,—
A crowd of companions

Without care or strife.

Be monkish who may,

I no monk e'er will be ;
I like jolly fellows

Around me to see.

Ah, its all very well

Now and then to retire
To the mountain or moor,

And pure Nature admire ;

But, what fancy may prompt us,

What ardour may burn.
To society's smiles.

Soon or late, we return. (*^^)

(*5) Order, Pic^, (Linn.) Hangnest.Oriole.

The Oriolus nidipendulus, Hangnest-Oriole, Spanish-
Nightingale, Watchy-Picketf or American- Hangnestj has the
frontlet and wreath black ; crown, neck, back, and tail, reddish
brown 5 breast and belly tawny yellow; length seven inches;
sings charminglj'; builds a pendulous nest on the extreme
branches of a high tree ; inhabits the woods of Jamaica, and ,
most probably, many other of the West India islands.

For an account of other Orioles, see note (3S).

409

THE TANAGER'S SONG.

Tanagra Mexicana,—(LiHN.)

1 envy not, I ask not,

A gay or gaudy life;
I wish not, I seek not,

The haunts of noisy strife.

T love not, I hope not.
To dwell amid the crowd.

Where think not, where care not,
The haughty and the proud.

I should not, I could not.
Behold without much pain

The reckless, the heedless
O'erbearings of the vain.

I should not, I could not,
Behold the poor oppress'd,

Without some poignant anguish
Arising in my breast.

T

410 FOREIGN BIRDS.

Then give me not, I ask not,
A gay or gaudy life ;

I wish not, I seek not,

The haunts of noisy strife.* (^^)

(^•5) Order, Passeres, (Linn.) Tanager the Black and
Blue, the Red-breasted, the Golden.

The'genus Tamagra, (Linn.) or Tanager, consists of more
than sixty species, nearly, all found in the West Indies and
America. They have been considered as similar to the sparrows
of Europe, to which they approach in almost every particular,
<xcept colour and the small grooves hollowed out at the sides
of the upper mandible, towards the point. They are also, like
the sparrows, gregarious; but lay only two eggs at a brood.
They, however, as well as most birds in warm climates, breed
very often. The following are deserving notice : —

The Mexicana, or BLACK-and-BLUE Tanager, is black
beneath yellowish ; breast and rump blue. Another variety,
with tail coverts green, body beneath white ; five inches long ;
sings very finely; inhabits South America.

The Jacapa, or Red-breasted Tanager, is black ; front,
throat, and breast scarlet; female purplish brown, beneath
reddish, wings and tail brown ; six and a half inches long; builds
a pendulous, cylindrical, and somewhat-curved nest ; feeds on
fruit; eggs white, with reddish spots. Inhabits South America.

The Violacea, or Golden Tanager, is violet; beneath and
Iiind head fine yellow ; another variety black instead of violet ;
female olive brown ; young bird blue olive ; three and a half
inches long ; variable in its colours ; very destructive to rice
plantations. Inhabits Brazil and Cayt nne.

* This song has been set to music by my friend, W. Jacob,
Esq. It will, most probably, be published in a separate form.

1

411

A STORM/

Ipse Pater, media nimborum in node, coniscii
Fulminu molitur dextrd : quo maxima molu
Terra tremit ; fugere fercB ; et mortalia corda
Per gentes humilis stravit puvor.

ViRGir/, Georgic I.

Now the sun with his steeds, that no mortal may tame,
In his chariot descending, ^nd rob'd in bright flame,
O'er the west shed a radiance, when suddenly grew
A blackness in air, that a gloom around threw.
Oppressive, hot stillness, an ominous sign,
With fear that astounds, seem'd in league to combine.
With clouds, dark, portentous, deep stain'd was the

sky;
The sea-winds rose suddenly howling on high :
The sea, black and stormy, with white foam boil'd o'er;
Ships, torn from their moorings, were toss'd on the

shore :
The wild curling breakers, like wolves, fierce and

strong,
Ran yelling and dashing in fury along :
Round the mountainous rocks numerous sea-birds

scream'd loud.
As they, terror-struck, flew in a dark wavy cloud :

* For some of the llionghts in this Poem the author is indebted
to Hall's South America: see vol. ii. page 317.

412 FOREIGN BIRDS.

From the earth, borne aloft by the maniac gust,
Arose in wild whirlwinds the darkening dust.

Now the isle shook with strange trepidation, and high
The sea heav'd her billowy mountains ; the sky
Look'd a concave of horror, what time from the shore
The winds up the dell wound in deep hollow roar :
The lightning, at distance, leap'd over the hill;
No more now was heard the soft roll of the rill;
No more heard of warblers,-— of parrots the note;
No more on the breeze was heard music to float :
For Thunder, approaching in haste from the west.
With his voice loud, appalling, shook many a breast.

From the sea came the Storm-bieds, with screams
up the dell ;
And rain, mix'd with hail, now in torrents down fell.
The Birds all sought shelter,— the Vulture his rock
Forsook for a place more secure from the shock :
The Tornado grew furious, and, lashing the trees.
Twisted some off their trunks, —their limbs swam on
the breeze.

The din and destruction now thickened apace ;
It seem'd as though Uproar with Storm had a race ;
Or, rather, that Nature (maniacal joy)
Sought, by one crashing stroke, her own works to

destroy.
The palms were uptorn, and borne far in the air;
The birds, on their leaves, became stunn'd with despair :
The rock, where the Vulture had sat, at one stroke
Of the lightning's hot shaft, into two at once broke:
6

A STORM. 413

One roird crashing, o'erwhelming afar down the dell,
The other stood still the disaster to tell ;
Around which the thunder oft rattled and rang,
While the light'ning from crag unto crag swiftly sprang.
In the dell roar'd a torrent, where many a tree
Floated down with dead birds and dead beasts, to the

sea.
Not a note now was heard from a chorister's lute;
All the birds, still alive, struck by fear, became mute :
They, closely impacted in groups, might be seen
Beneath a scath'd palm, or uptorn evergreen.

Again the isle shook, and the sea on the shore
Still roird in tumultuous and deafening roar ;
O'er the dark vault of heav'n the fierce light'ning still

flew,
And the clouds rais'd their heads in terrific review.

A moment of silence, — of calm, — came at length.
And proclaim'd that the giants had wasted their

strength :
While the sun shot a beam of bright light from a cloud,
A token he meant, ere he slept, to unshroud ;
The thunder retir'd with a muttering growl,
And the wind flew away in an ominous howl.
The rain ceas'd ; the clouds, too, soon hurried away ;
And the birds now look'd out from the house of

dismay.
At length, in his splendour, the sun in the west
Rode forth, and lit hope up again in the breast.

414 FOREIGN BIRDS.

The Vulture first rose : on the havoc profound
He glanc'd ; it might even a monarch astound :
Nought abash'd, he flew over the desolate dell,
Then, stooping, he swept o*er the water's deep swell ;
A favourite morsel roU'd down in the tide, —
Its possession an instant enough to decide.
The Grallators dipp'd, too, their long beaks in the

flood ;
At times they were stain'd or with gore or with blood.
The Goatsuckers, Scansors, the Parrots, a few,
Their clamorous notes chose again to renew ;
But the powerful impression the hurricane made
The birds of fine feeling detain'd in the shade :
Yet the musical Wood-thrush, torn laurels among,
Asev'ning approach 'd, warbled forth a sweet song :
The sad and the sombre become him the best :
Thus he sang, as he perch'd on his leafy beech nest : —

415

IHE WOOD-THRUSH'S EVENING SONG.

Tardus iW*Zorfu».T-( Wilson.)

Still Memqjiy -cull^, Qj Happiness !

For THEE her sweetest flowers ; —
The violet, the pink/the rose,

And woodbine, froni her bowers.

When earth bfetddftifes'^^'dreidi'y'vo'id;

For THEE her magic wand
She waves, andlo! in colours bright,

A wondrotts fairy land !

When friends forsake us — when the fates

The dearest friends divide,^
For THEE still Memory hovers near.

Thy long affianc'd bride.

The tender look — the dying word

She holds for ever dear;
And, while affection prompts the sigh,

And sorrow sheds the tear,

She beckons Hope, in misty robe,

And thee to deck the urn ;
And dwells with sad delight, on hours

Ihat never can return.

416 FOREIGN BIRDTS.

Ye VICTIMS of the Storm I for voir

This requiem I sing :
And for your shroud pimenta leaves

Abundant I shall bring ;

Here, wrapt in fragrance, you shall lie ;

Oft from the giddy throng
rU steal apart and warble here

For you, my saddest song.

'Tis said that Man, a monarch here,

Though he like us, too, dies.
In other worlds for ever lives

Amidst unclouded skies.

Then why not we — why should the gates

Of death affections sever —
Why might not we, as well as man,

Live too, and love for ever ?

Ecstatic thought ! midst laurel shades

For ever thus to sing ; —
Our long lost friends to find again

In everliving spring !

Still Memory culls, O, Happiness!

For THEE her choicest flowers : —
The violet, jasmine, pink, the rose.

And woodbines, from her bowers. (®^)

(67) Order, Passeres ; Thrush, the Wood, the Red-
breasted.

The Turdus MeloduSf Wood-Thrush, Wood-Robin, or Ground-
Hobin, inhabits the ¥rhole of North America, from Hudson*s Bay

THE RED-BREASTED-THRUSH. 417

to Florida. Arrives in Pennsylvania about the 20th of April, and
returns to the south in October. Length eight inches ; the
whole upper parts are a fulvous brown, brightening into
reddish on the head, and inclining to olive on the rump and
tail ; throat and breast vphite, tinged with light buflF colour, and
beautifully marked with dark spots running all over the belly,
which is white. Frequents solitary woods ; sings finely in the
morning and evening, and also in moist and gloomy weather:
the sadder the day the sweeter its song. Eggs four or five,
light blue, without spots ; nest, in a laurel or elder bush, com-
posed of beech leaves exteriorly, lined with mud, over which is
laid fine black fibrous roots of plants; the nest is found in
moist situations and the neighbourhood of brooks. This bird
is often heard, but rarely seen. For its Morning Songy see
pageSdl.

The Turdus Migratorius, Reu-breasted-Thrush, or Robin,
of Wilson, is nine and a half inches long ; sings very pleasantly ;
frequently seen in America in cages, in one of which it has been
kept for seventeen years; inhabits the whole of North America,
from Hudson's Bay to Nootka Sound and Georgia; rarely
breeds on the east side of the mountains south of Virginia. See
page 350.

/

Eve at length came, in mantle of purple array'd,
While the moon o'er the mountains her radiance dis-

play'd.
The birds sought repose — who had journeys to take,
Deferr'd their return till the morning should wake ;
Meantime, the sweet Mocking-Bird, true to his lay.
Thus welcom'd the Night, thus took leave of the Day:

T3

418

THE MOCKING-BIRD'S NIGHT SONG.

Turdus Polyglottvs — (LiNN.)

The garish day is gone to rest,
Then welcome gentle Night!

I love thy solemn silent hours
When moon and stars are bright,

I love, O night ! to hear repose
In breathing slumbers sweet ;

I love to hear thy crystal rills
Flow murmuring at thy feet.

Sweet night ! of love the tender nurse,

I offer unto thee
The holiest and the purest vows

That e'er can offered be.

Hast thou, sweet night ! a maiden seen
Array*d like seraph bright ?

She wanders oft in yonder grove ;
Oh tell me, gentle night !

THE mocking-bird's NIGHT SONG. 419

Awake, O, breeze ! and bear my song

To that fair seraph bright ;
Tell her that love awaits her steps

In the bower of moonlight.

Then welcome be thy silent hours,

Thy moon and thy starlight ; —
Thy deep repose, thy bowers of bliss —

Thrice welcome gentle night !

For an account of the Macking-birdy see note (41); page 37S;
but it may be stated here, in regard to its songy that during the
day its chief notes consist of the imitations of the songs of its neigli-
boiirs j at night its song is more peculiarly its own.

END or THE SECOND PART.

421
THE VALLEY OF NIGHTINGALES.

A SCENE

Near the HotwellSf Bristol.

'^Then, said I, master, pleasant is this place,

And sweet are those melodious notes I hear}

And happy they, among man*s toiling race,

Who, of their cares forgetful, wander near."

Bowies.

[To those who might not happen to know St. Vincent's
Rocks, Clifton, and the very beautiful scenery near the
HoTWELLS, Bristol, it might be desirable to state that the
river Avon winds here through a sinuous defile, on one side of
which the Rocks rise perpendicularly in a bold yet irregular
manner to the height of many hundred feet ; the opposite side
is not so bold, but it is, nevertheless, extremely beautiful, being
clothed, in many places, with wood, and has, besides, a Valley
through which you may ascend to Leigh Down. This valley has
been named the Valley of Nightingales, no doubt, in consequence
of those birds making it their resort

" Where foliag'd full in vernal pride,
Retiring winds thy favourite vale ;
And faint the moan of Avon's tide
Remurmurs to the nightingale."

C. A. Elton, Poems, Disappointment,
In a note Mr. Elton informs us that this stanza alludes to
the "Valley of Nightingales opposite St. Vincent's Rocks at
Clifton." The lovers of the picturesque will here find ample
gratification. If, in the following poem, the truth in Natural
History be a little exceeded in reference to a troop of nightin-
gales, it is hoped that the poetical licence will be pardoned.
The vicinity of the Hot wells has been lately much improved by
a carriage drive beneath and around these rocks.]

422

THE VALLEY OF NIGHTINGALES.

Seest thou yon tall Rocks, where, *midst sunny light
beaming,
They lift up their heads and look proudly around;—
While numerous Choughs, with their cries shrill and
screaming,
Wheel from crag unto crag, and now oe'r the pro-
found ?

Seest thou yonder Valley where gushes the fountain ;

Where the Nightingales nestling harmoniously sing;
Where the Mavis and Merle, and the merry Lark
mounting.

In notes of wild music, now welcome the spring ?

Seest thou yonder shade where the woodbine as-
cending,
-Encircles the hawthorn with amorous twine,
With the bryony scandent in gracefulness blending ;
What sweet mingled odours — scarce less than di-
vine !

THE VALLEY OF Nr«HTINGALES. 423

Hearest thou the blue Ring -Dove in yonder tree cooing ;

The Red.breast-^the Hedge-Sparrow^, meivlAe their
song; ->oi]'):' .'v>!> /;.r[ti'/'

The Cuckoo, with sameness of note ever wooing;

Yet ever to pleasure such notes will belong ?

And this is the Valley of Nightingales; — listen
To those full swelling sounds — with those pauses
between ;
Where the bright waving shrubs 'midst the pale hazels
glisten,
There oft may a troop of the songsters be seen,

Seest thou yon proud Ship on the stream adown sailing,

O'er ocean her course to strange climes she now

bends ;

Oh ! who may describe the deep sobs or heart wailing,

Her departure hath wrought amongst lovers and

friends ?

The rocks now re-echo the songs of the sailor,
As he chearfully bounds on his watery way ;

But the Maiden ! — ah what shall that echo avail her,
When absence and sorrow have worn out the day ?

Behold her all breathless, still gazing^ pursuing,
And waving at times, with her white hand, adieu ;

On the rock now«he sits, with fix'd eye the ship viewing,
No picture of fancy— but often too true !

424 THE VALLEY OF NIGHTINGALES.

Dost thou see yon flush'd Hectic, of health poor re-
mainder,
With a dark hollow eye and a thin sunken cheek ;
While Affection hangs o'er him with thoughts that
have pain'd her,
And that comfort and hope still forbid her to speak?*

Yes, Friendships! Affections I ye ties the most
tender !

Fate, merciless Fate, your connexion will sever ;—
To that tyrant remorseless, all — all must surrender !

I once had a Son — ^ere we parted for ever If

Now the sun o'er the earth rides in glory unclouded ;

The Rocks and the Valleys delightedly sing ;
The Birds in wild concert, in yonder wood shrouded.

Awake a loud chorus to welcome the spring.

And this is the Valley of Nightingales; — listen
To those full-swelling sounds — with those pauses
between,
Where the bright waving shrubs midst the pale hazels
glisten.
There oft may a troop of the songsters be seen.

May, 1826.

* The Hot wells are, unfortunately, too often the last resort
of the consumptive.
t A promising youth who died some years since at Berbice.

4^5

THE HILL OF FREEDOM.

Approach ! thon delight of the children of men,
Fair F&eedom! approach!'*

See Part t. page 170.

The questions as to the justice of buying or selling any
of our fellow men, of whatever colour or condition, or of
retaining them, as Slaves, have been, it is presumed, long
ago decided. The emancipation of such unfortunate beings
must, therefore, sooner or later take place. The only
questions which remain appear to be those relative to the
manner and the time.

The ignorance and prejudices of the SLAVES on the one
hand, and the immediate interests and prejudices of the
Planters on the other, are, it must be admitted, difficulties
of no ordinary kind. While some of our benevolent enthu-
siasts have advocated early, or even immediate, emancipa-
tion, the planters have, in too many instances, done all
they could to prevent the diffusion of knowledge amongst
the slaves, and, by such and other obstructions, have,
doubtless, retarded the desired consummation. Both pro-
ceed injudiciously and unwisely. To expect the Slaves
to be at once capable of rational freedom is not less absurd
than to expect ignorance to produce rational obedience.
The only safe course is by enlightening their understand-
ing, shewing them their true interests, and teaching them the
arts, conveniencies, and decencies of civilized society; and
also by shewing them that humanity to which tliey, as well as
the whites, are equally entitled. Vindictiveness, on either

426 THE HILL OF FREEDOM.

side, will be, most certainly, productive of a retaliation
greatly to be deplored.

The anomaly which is found in some of the United States
of America^ where the Negro is still bought, sold^ and
treated as a Slave by the white Proprietou, who, at the
same time, is loud in his demands of Liberty for himself,
furnishes a lesson that will, it is to be hoped, have, in lime,
a proper influence on the manners and councils of that
otherwise highly favoured and happy country.

The existence of Slavery, however, in the United States
of America, it is evident, is tolerated, not encourag€d,hy the
intelligent portion of their social community. From some
efiforts which have been lately made by those states where
Slavery is not tolerated, we learn that tlie state of
Mississipiy where, of course, Slavlry.w tolerated, haa
transmitted a report and resolution in which the proposal
of the state of Ohio relative tp the emancipation of Slaves is
disapproved ; and in whicb^ also, complaint is made of the
interference of non-slaveholding slates. The report, in
eflFect, declares that the right of property in Slaves is as
sacred and inviolable as that of any other personal property ;
that, however great the national evil of Slavery may be,
and however much it may be regretted, circumstances have
rendered it inevitable, and placed it without the pale of
legislative authority; that the state cannot concur in any
arrangement for emancipating Slaves; that any interference
by non-slaveholding slates on subjects of this nature may
produce deplorable consequences, excite prejudices, and
weaken the union of the states ; and, instead of ameliorating
the condition, can only aggravate the misfortunes of the
Slaves; that, by a gradual emancipation, the hopes of those
who remained in slavery would be excited to insurrection,
and the lives of the citizens endangered; the state, lor

THE HILL OF FREEDOM. 427

these reasons it seems, determined to partiqipate . in no
such measure. aftiifttjiWit* ,i\"i >

In conclusion, this right, hearty, and determined Slave-
holding state, claims the right, in concert with the southern
statesj whose situation is similar, of mov ing this question
when an enlarged system of benevolence sluiU, in consistency
with their, rights and inter ests^ render it practicable. Most
excellent morality certainly 1 Which enlarged system of
benevolence it is not difficult to prophesy will never, under
the direction of these Slave-holders, unless continually
stimulated and prompted by their neighbours, arrive. And,
notwithstanding the high tone of such moral professors, it
is devoutly to be hoped that their neighbours will continue
to remind them of their Duties, in temper and conciliation
of course. The haughtiness of these worthies, among their
other qualities, is not a little remarkable: you must not
meddle in their concerns, although their lad example may
contaminate all their neighbours ! It is to be hoped,
however, that, notwithstanding the peculiar sensitiveness
of the Legislators of Mississipiy their iNTEtLiGENT Neigh-
bours will not fail to keep a watchful eye over them, and
ihdii public opinion will ultimately operate beneficially upon
the obliquity of their morals and their understandings.

We now come to legislators of a higher grade ; and here
it is impossible to observe, without regret, that a Resolu-
tion concerning Slavery in the district of Columbia was
offered, among others, by Mr. Miner, of Pennsylvania, to
the Congress of the United States, a short time since,
and negatived by an apparently large majority ; this reso-
lution was as follows :

Resolved,

That the district of Columbia being placed under
the exclusive regtdation of the United States, ought to exhibit

428 THE HILL OF FREEDOM.

to the nation, and to the world, the purest specimen of govern-
menty vindicating the superior excellence of free institutions ;
that f as we are here establishing a city^ (Washington,) in-
tended as the perpetual Capital of a great Republic^ it is due
to Ourselves, and to Posterity, that the foundations thereof be
laid in wisdom, and that no fundamental evils in the structure
of its policy be permitted to take root, which might become
inveterate by time, but which prudent and timely policy may
eradicate.

We turn from the unfruitful efforts of the intelli-
gent and BENEVOLENT in America to the speech of Don
Manuel Lorenzo de Vidaurre, Minister from Peru at the
opening of the American Congress at Panama, on the 22d
of June, 1826. Here shall we find sentiments in accordance
with the times and with truth ; after expatiating on various
interesting topics, he thus alludes to the Slave.

"Let," said he, "the sad and abject countenance of the
poor African, bending under the chains of rapacity and
oppression, no longer be seen in these climes ; let him be
endowed with equal privileges with the white man, whose
colour he has been taught to regard as a badge of su>
periority; let him, in learning that he is not distinct from
other men, learn to become a rational being/'

To such efforts and such sentiments as these, who does
not wish success ?

429

THE HILL OF FREEDOM.

Shall Birds and their Freedom engross all the

Song ?
Forbid it, O ye! that to music belong.
Awake Harp ! once more with thy melody wake !
Let the Freedom of Man of the Song now partake ;
Let the chords from thy strings in loud energy roll;
And let Truth and let Justice the cadence control.
Who hath not heard of Freedom ? — delightfirl the

sound !
Wherever she dwells may be deemed holy ground.
In cities she, sometimes, is pleas'd to reside;
And, sometimes, the hermit's lone cottage beside ;
But the country J for ever, abode of her choice:
In woods, meadows, on mountains, her footsteps rejoice.
She hath long had, in Britain, a high chosen seat;
And Columbia, for her, is a sacred retreat.
O'er the South — o'er Peru—to the Andes — the Shore,
Where Tezcalipoca* the natives adore,

* One of the imaginary Gods of the Mexican Indians^ of whom
thus sings South tv in his Ma doc.

*' Among the Gods of yon unhappy race,

Tezcalipoca as the chief they rank,

Or with their chief co-equal j maker he

And master of created things esteem'd.

He sits upon a throne of trophied skulls

Hideous and huge."

Part 11. Sect, 11.

430 THE HILL OF FREEDOM.

She now stretches her arm with glad tidings for all
Who on her may choose for assistance to call.
Her permanent palace an undulate Hill,
At whose feet gushes forth, in sweet warble, the rill ;
On whose top looking round you all nations behold —
Their valleys of verdure — their rivers of gold.
That ocean of isles looking far to the west,
Hath nature with plenty abundantly blessM.
There the swart Sons of Africa labour and sigh ;
And oft, too, for Freedom, are willing to die.

On that Hill top, in vision, enraptur'd I saw,
Fair Freedom unfetter'd by Custom or Law ;
Her form the most graceful — step airy and light ;
And her robes gave to splendour intensity bright ;
Her countenance shone ; and her look was benign ; —
Her contour and movement bespake her divine.
Beside her walked Knowledge, like vestal sedate,
Nor airs of importance surround her, nor state ;
Her language was simple, yet touching the grand.
And such as the simplest could well understand; —
No sentence involv'd, nor terms learned, abtruse, —
Nor pride to exhibit what is of no use.
She, the punning of pedants — the play upon names —
With the lumber of learning, consigns to the flames.
To Teach, her sole object, the Useful and True ; —
By the aid of enquiry examines the new :
To Progression pays homage, and, as the Time flies,
Collects from his passage the words of the wise.
Content, too, awaited in Freedom's fair train ;
And Happiness smil'd, in robes homely and plain.

THE HILL OF FREEDOM. 431

Innumerous the sylphids who wander among

The groves and the glades,- while the Birds, in full

song,
Sent o'er hill and o'er valley the notes of delight, .
As the sun of the morning in splendour rose bright.

The Children of Africa, groaning and sore
With the chains of oppression, will bear them no

more.
On her hill top fair Freedom they ken from afar,
And indignantly threaten their Mast.ers with war:
They to her look for succour — to her they appeal-
That she the deep wounds of oppression will heal.
She, in accents benignant, bright hope by her side,
To the tale of their sorrows thus kindly replied :

*' Ye Children of Afric! your manifold wrongs
" Long by me have been heard in your prayers and

songs ;
" Nor have heard I in vain : for gone forth is a sound
" That will your oppression abash and confound :
"That soui*4 is^.o^f .Ki^,Q^i46DG£, t^^i.i3ail4 f^Bd^still

VOicej'7 f!' '^.':a'( ifOV ''tO-^^.' '3'-;i^H[t Ol'i:?n^»f><^(d'l9 ^f-

" At whose bidding all nations shall sing and rejoice.

" My handmaid is she — will my fiat attend,

" And ever will prove your inflexible friend.

" O seek her, pursue her by day and by night ;

" All her paths are of peace and are strew'd with de-
light.

" Without HER what aid can I, Freedom, impart?

" It is Knowledge with me that must govern the
heart.

432 THE HILL OF FREEDOM.

" Be patient then Children of Afric ! your sun
*' Hath his glorious career o'er the mountains begun;—
*' You, my Children of Britain will never for-
sake ; —
" For You, they will efforts incessantly make !
** Ye days of bright promise, O hasten ! O speed !
" When Knowledge shall make all, at length, free
indeed."
She ceas'd for a moment; then turn*d unto those
Whom the Africans deem, at once, masters and

FOES.

"You, who hold in your hands all the issues of life —
" Of the Negro— his children — son — daughter, and

wife ;
" Who transfer, when you please, be they blind, be

' they lame,
** Their persons for gold unto whom you may name ;
" You, whose ships float along on the tide of success ;
*' You, whom POWER enables to curse or to bless ; —
** Oh fail not in duty's imperious commands ;
" Be a blessing to those whom you have in your hands ;
" Smooth the pillow of age — and to youth be e'er

kind —
" And thus lead, not administer /orce to, the mind.
" Consult too the feelings, — affections,— nay, pride ;
*' Nor mother from daughter, son, father, divide ;
** Nor wife from the husband, nor friend from the

friend ;
" And thus o'er your Slaves benign influence extend.

THE HILL OF FREEDOM. 433

"Teach them lessons of love by the pure Gospel
taught,

** Apart from the webs superstition hath wrought.

** Diffuse, too, the wisdom which knowledge im-
parts ;

** Teach them foresight, and prudence, the useful in
arts.

•' Be, in your own persons, the picture I draw,

*' And soon shall you need not the terrors of law,

'• This do. and your Slaves will, aye, maugre your
creed,

" Soon become all well fitted for freedom indeed.

" My realm they may enter with dance and with sonr,

" While happiness leads them, in triumph, along!"

She said, — a dark cloud now arose on the hill ;
No more she was seen ; aloud warbled the rill.

U

434

VALEDICTORY LINES.

O reminiscences of youth! ye charm
The years of manhood, soothe the aches of age ;
Your pencil paints the pleasures of the past
In liveliest hues, while many a rueful pain
Ye darken o'er with shade."

From an unpublished Poem.

Ye minstrels of melody ! children of song !
A moment yet more I the strain must prolong.
Yes, lovely enchanters of wood and of dell !
One moment yet grant me to bid you farewell. —
One moment to thank you for much of delight ; —
For much ting'd with rapture, by hope colour'd bright; —
What time I have listened, in glens and in groves,
In moorlands, in meadows, to songs of your loves; —
How often the Lapwings have heard on North-moor !
How often the Rooks, at my natal cot's door !
And both those and the Ring-Doves, B.t P ether ton-Park,
While o'er the rich meadow sang sweetly the Lark !
And the Thrush' s, the- Black-bird's, and Red-breast's

soft note,
Seem'd, buoyant like bubbles, on ether to float ; —
The Cuckoo's loud monotone spake of delight ; —
Of May time the Nightingale sang at midnight ; —

Valedictory lines. 435

Or, while the tenth wave* rising roll'd on the shore,
And, lifting his head, gave a loud hollow roar,
Have heard the wild sea-bird's loud screaming, not

song.
As I wander'd with pleasure the sea marge along.
In youth, ere Experience, with look sedate, chill,
Fix'd on Feeling the rein, there I wander'd at will,
While the young laughing Love, with his sinuous art,
Threw his magical sympathies over my heart.
In manhood less rapture, more pleasure, my share :
For reason had taught me your feelings to spare;

* The tenth wave has exci^d the attention of the poets.
Maturin somewhere speaks of the '* tenth wave of human
misery." In turning over lately some of our older poets, I met
with an allusion to the ninth wave ; in whose works I do not
now recollect. Ovid has the following passages relative to this
subject :

Qui venit hie fluctus, tiuctus supereminet omnes;
Posterior nono est, undecimoque prior,

Tristia Elegia, 2.
Vastius insurgens decimce ruit impetus undce.

Mttamorph. Lib. xi.

This notion concerning the tenth wave has also been long
entertained by many persons conversant with the sea-shore : I
often heard it when I was a boy, and have repeatedly
watched the waves of the sea iHun breaking on the shore,
(for it is to this particular motion that the tenth wave, as far as
I know, applies,) and can state that, when the tide is ebbing, no
such phenomenon as the tenth wave occurs ; but that, when the
tide is flowing, some such is often observable; it is not, however,
invariably the tenth wave : after several smaller undulations, a
larger one follows, and the water rises. This is more distinctly

U2

436 VALEDICTORY LINES.

Ot your HOMES and your little'ones often I thought;
For your ])leasures, your wrongs, too, I manfully

fought ;
And, ROW I am come to the threshold of age.
For YOU I a war still am willing to wage.
But no more! of your songs — of the meadow, or dell —
No more — ye wild Warblers! I bid you farewell !
And farewell, too, to song I — for your minstrel

grows old,
And the world, frowning o'er him, looks callous and

cold.
No more he, perchance, shall awaken the lyre,
But in this, his last song, his last thoughts may

transpire.
When he sleeps in yon woodland, will you, in the spring,
O'er his sod, in remembrance, a requiem sing ; —
Will you visit the woods where he once touch'd his

shell ?—
Ye Minstrels of Melody! hail! and farewell!

seen on a sandy, or i-mooth muddy shore of more or less
flatness.

I take occHsioD to observe here tliat the Ska is a subject of
intense interest, solemnity, sublimity, at all time»; but, per-
haps, most so on a still evening about high water, when it make.<
no noise except at interval^, as its wavy yet smooth undulations
break with a peculiar and indescribable hollow sound as they
roll over on the shore, reminding us of

*' Eternity, eternity, and power.*'

Procter.

A GL0S5>ARY OF TERMS

USED IN THIS WORK.

^* A Jew other words of rather nncommoa uccurrtnce uill also be
found in the preceding pages, but, as ihty htve a place in Todd's
Johnson's Dictionary, it has been thought unnecessary to
explain them in (his glosiuri/. The Anglicized words are
accented.

Al'cad. A bird ofllie aufc tribe.
Alcada. Birdsof the um/c tribe.
Alembical. Having tiie shape

of an alembic.
Anat'id. AbirdoftheDwcfciribf'.
Anatid^p. Birds of the Duck

tribe.
Ar»deiil, A bird of the Heron

tribe.
Ardeida. Birds of tlie Heron

tribe.
AvEs. Birda.
Bombyciue. Silky, formed of

silk.
Bu'ccrid. A bird of the Horn-

bill tril)e.
Bucerid<e. Birds of the Horn-
hill tnbe.
Capisirum. The face.
Caprimal'fiid. A bird of the

Go'U- sucker trib<^.
Caprimulgidce. Birds of the

Gwd-sucker tribe.
Carinate. Formed like a keel.
Canmcnlate. Having caruncles.
Cere. The membrane covering

the base of the bill ; the wax.
Cereless. Without a cere.
Cer'thiail. A bird of the Creeper

tribe.
Certhind(e. Birds of the Creeper

tribe.

€harad'iiad A bird of the l^ln-
vei' tribe.

Charadriad(£. Birds of the Plo-
ver tribe.

Cin'nyrid. A bird of (he Cin-
nyris or Sun-bird tribe.

CinnyridcB. Birds of the Cin-
nyris or Sun-bird tribe.

Colnm'bid. A bird of tlie Pi-
geon tribe.

Columbidit. Birds of the Pi-
geon tiibe.

Colym'bid. A bird of the Diver
tribe.

Cidymbidis.
t»ibe.

Con'irost.
conic bill.

Conirostres.
nic biil^.

Coi'vid. A bird of the Crow tribe.

Corvidcc. Birds of the C/v;?r tribe.

Cra'cid. A bird of tiie Curos-
«.,»wand Pctidope UUyp.

Cracidte. Birds of the Curassow
and Penelope tribe.

Cn'culid. A bird of the Cuckoi>
tribe.

Cucufid(E
tribe.

Den'tirost.
toothed bill

Birds of the Divtr

A bird having a

Birds having co-

Bird i of tlie Cuck
\ bird bavin;:

438

GLOSSARY OF TERMS.

Dentirosires. Birds ha^ng

toothed bills.
Expansile. Capable of being

expanded.
Fal'conid. A bird of ihe Eagle

or Falcon tribe.
FalconidcB. Birds of the Eagle

or Falcon tribe.
Furinacea. Those vegetables,

particularly corn, which are

mealy.
Ferruginous. Having the co-
lour of rusty iron.
Filiform. Having the shape of

threads.
Fis'sirost. A bird with a elcfi

or notched bill.
Fissirostres. Birds vrith cleft

or notched bills.
Frin'gillid. A bird of the

Finch tribe.
Fringillid<r, Birds of the Fimh

tribe.
J'rutescenl. Siirubby.
Fulvous. Tawny, mixed with

red and yellow.
Gape. The whole extent or

cavity of the month.
Genera. The plural of genus.
Gralla'tor. A wading bird.
Grallatores. ^Vadinghirds.
Gressorial. {Gressorius.) Form-
ed (literally) for stepping;

but used by Linnesus, and

some other naturalists, for

hopping or leaping,
Gru'id. A bird of the Crane

tribe.
Gruidee, Birds of the Crane

tribe.
Gular. Belonging or attached

to the throat.
Halcyon'id. A bird of the King-
fisher or Halcyon tribe.
HalcyonideB. Birds of the Kiw^--

fisher or Halcyon tribe.
Hiruu'dinid. A bird of the

Swallow tribe.
Hirundinida. Birds of the

Swcdlow tribe.

Ingluvies, The crop.

Inses'sor. A perching bird.

Insessores. Perching birds.

Intratropical. Being within
the tropics.

Irids. The plural of Iris. The
coloured circles in the globes
of the eyes surrounding the
pupil.

La'niad. A bird of the Shrike
tribe.

Laniadee. Birds of the Shrike
tribe.

Lar'id. A bird of the GmW tribe.

LaridtE. Birds of the GuZ/ tribe.

Leguminous. Bearing pods.

Lidden. A song ; a note.

Lobate. Divided into lobes.

Lore. A naked skin between
the eye and bill.

Lox'iad. A bird of the Gros-
beak and Crossbill tribe.

Loxindce. Birds of the Ch'oS'
beak and Crosshill tribe.

Lunula. } A small crescent like

Lunule. \ the increasing moon.

Magnates. Tlie great people ;
the nobility.

Mammalia, s. pi. Those ani-
mals which suckle their
young, consisting chiefly of
Quadrupeds and Man.

Meliphag'id. A bird of the
Honey-euter tribe.

Meliphagid(B. Birds of the
Honey-eater tribe.

Mer'opid. A bird of the Bee-
ealer tribe.

MeropidcB. Birds of the Bee-
eater tribe.

Mer'ulid. A bird of the Thrush
tribe.

MerulidtE. Birds of the Thrush
tribe.

Mongamous. Confined to one
sexual association.

Muscicap'id. A bird of the
Fly -catcher tribe.

Muscicapid(E. Birds of the F/y-
catcher tribe.

GLOSSAKY OF TERMS.

439

Nata'tor. A swimming bird.

Natatores. Swimmhi ghlrdf-.

Natatorial. Having the quality
of a nalator ; swimming.

Naive. Natural, simple.

Nectarin'iad. A bird of the
Honey-eating tribe.

Nectariniadee. Birds of the
Honey-eating tribe.

Ochraceous. Of the colour of
ochre, dull yellow.

Olivaceous. Of an olive colour,
somewhat olive.

Orbit. The ring or circle sur-
rounding the eye.

Palmate. > tt • .

Palmated.5^^^"'g^'^^»-

Pelecan'id. A. bird of the Pe-
lican tribe.

PelecanidcB. Birds of the Pe-
lican tribe.

Pendiiline. Pendulous, not
supported below,

Phasian'id. A bird of the
Pheasant tribe.

PhasianidcE. Birds of the Phea-
sant tribe.

Pi'cid. A bird of the Wood'
pecker tribe.

PicidcB, Birds of the Wood-
pecker tribe.

Pinnate. Furnished with little
webs.

Pip'rid. A bird of the Mawafcm
tribe.

PipridcB. Birds of the Manakin
tribe.

Polygamous. Not confined to
one sexual association.

Prairie. An extensive plain
in the back settlements of
America, covered chiefly
with grass.

Primaries. The chief gui/Z fea-
thers of the wing.

Promer'opid. A bird of the
Hoopoe tribe.

Promeropidce. Birds of the
Hoopoe tribe.

Psit'tacid* A bird of the Par-
rot tribe.

Psittacidce. Birds of the Par-
rot tribe.

Ral'lid. AbirdoftheJJaiUribe.

RallidtB. Birds of the RaiUribe.

Ramphas'tid. A bird of the
Toucan tribe.

Ramphastidee, Birds of the
Toucan tribe.

Rap'tor. A bird of the rapto-
rial tribe.

Raptores. Birds of prey, or
raptorial birds.

Raptorial. Having the quality
of snatching — rapacious.

Ra'sor. Oneof the gallinaceous
or scratching birds.

Rasores. Birds whose cha-
racteristic is scratching : gal-
linaceous bird«.

Recurvate. Curved backwards.

Reniforra. Kidney shaped.

Retractile. Capable of being
drawn backward or inwards.

Revolute. Rolled or turned
back.

Rufous. Reddish yellovr, some-
what red.

Scandent. Climbing.

Scansile. Formed for climbing.

Scan'sor. A climbing bird.

Scansores. Climbing birds.

Scansorial. Formed for climb-
ing.

Scapular. Belonging to the
shoulder blade.

Scapulars. Feathers covering
the back part of the shoulder.

Scolopa'cid. A bird of the
Snipe tribe.

Scolopacidts. Birds of the Snipe
tribe.

Scratcher. A bird that scra^cAes
the ground to obtain its food.

Secondaries. The quill feathers
of the second size in the wing.

Semipalmate. 'i Half or parti-

Semipalniated. \ ally webbed.

440

GLOSSARY OF TERMS,

Snatcher. A bird of prey ; a

raptorial bird.
Sqtianiiforin. Shaped like

scale*.
>Sternuin. The breast bone.
Stri'gid. A bird of the Owl

tribe.
StrigidcE. Hirils of the Otfitribe.
Struthiones. Ostiithes:

birds of tlie Ostrich tribe.
Struthion'id. A bird of tl»e

Ostrich tribe.
Strut hioni dee. Birds of the

Ostrich tribe.
Strnthions. Havinc the qnali-

ties of the Ostrich tribe.
Stiir'nid. A bird of the Starl-
ing; tribe.
Sturnidec. Bird&of theS/ar/iwgr

tribe.
Subarchcd. Somewhat arched.
Subcouic. SoiMevvhat conic.
Subcrested.Soniev hat crested.
Subcylindri^. Somewhat cy-
lindrical.
Siibincurved. Somewhat id-

curved.
Subulate. A\vl-.-*haped.
Syl'viad. A bird of the JVurbkr

tribe.
Sylviadce. Birds of the fVtublcr

tribe.
Tenn'irost. A bird having a

slender bill.
Tenuirostres. Birds having

slender bills ►
Tertials. The huiallest quill

feathers of the wing.

Tetraon'id. A bird of the
Partridge and Giuuse tribe.

Tttraon'tdce . liirdsof the Par-
tridge and Grouse liibe.

Textor. A weaver,

Thoiacic duct. Tliat tube or
vessel which conveys tlienu-
trimeni from the absorbents
to the biood.

To'did. A biid of the Tody
tribe.

Todidce. Birds of tlie Tody
tribe.

Tro'chilid. A humming-bird.

Trochiiidee. Humming-birds.

Truncate. Appeariiiir lopped
or shortened.

Vertebra;. The bones of the
back and neck.

Vinaceous. Havinc; the colour
of grape leave*, pale dull
green.

Viscera. The plural of Viseus.

Viscus, A bowel or entrail : it
is, however, used by anato-
mists in a more extensive
signification than this : the
hcurt is called a vLscus ; and
we frequently hear of the
thoracic, as well as uhdominai
viscera.

Vul'turid. A bird of the Vul-
ture tribe.

Vuiiuridce. Birds of the Vul-
ture tribe.

Wax. The membiane covering
the; l.ase ot the bill ; the cere..

INDEX.

,♦ I'he Scientific Bdum's are distinguished tlius: the ordinal
and GENERIC by capitals; the specific by Italics; the
English names by Roman letters.

Aberdevine

253

Alca Alle

213

ACCIPITRES 3'i, 37

,100

Ardica

ib.

Address to the Blue-Bird

, 334

Impennis

ib.

Cuckoo

137

Pica

212

Freedom

170

Tarda

ib.

IheHedse-Sparrow 267

Alcad

43

Mrs. Kay

1

ALCAOiE

41

theMocking-Bird,372

Alcedo

171

Nightingale,

132

Alcyon

172

Rook

148

Chlorocephala

ib.

Spring

298

Cristata

ib.

Warblers

297

Formosa

ib.

Wood-Robin

352

Ispida

171

to a Wren

243

Purpurea

172

Adjutant

201

Alp

'269

African Beef-Eater

3^29

Amazons

397

Ahinga

342

American Hang-nest

408

Alauda

112

Ampelis

340

Arborea

113

Carnifex

341

ArvensU ib

. 250

Carunculata

342

Cristata

114

Coccinea

341

Magna

113

Garrulus

ib.

Minor

114

Militaris

ib.

Nemorosa

ib.

Pompadoru

ib.

Obscura

114

Variegata

ib.

Pvatetisis

113

Amsel 259

,264

Rubra

114

Anas

123

Trivialis

ib.

Anser (Ferns)

129

Albatross

336

(Mansuetus)

ib.

the Chocolate,

ib.

Atrata

125

Sooty

337

Bemicla

127

Wandering,

336

Boschas

130

Yellow-LOsed,337

Clangula

128

Alca

212

Cti/peata

v3

ib.

442

INDE

.X,

Ana8 Crecca

128

A PTENOD YT ES Pa<acAoni(;a,389

Cygnoides

126

Apterix Australis

ib.

Cygnus (Olor)

124

Ardeid

43

(Ferus)

125 i

Ardeidje

41

Erythropus

127

Ardea

196

Ferina

128

Ciconia

ib.

Gambensis

126

Egretta

201

Grandis

ib.

Gardeni

199

Hyperborea

126

Garzetta

201

Indica

ib.

Gignntea

ib.

Leucoptera

ib.

Grus

197

Melanotus

ib.

Major

198

Mollissima

127

Minuta

199

Moschuta

130

Nycticorax

ib.

Nigricollis

125

Stellaris

200

Penelope

128

Virgo

197

Querquedula

129

Argala

201

Segetum

127

Argill

ib.

Tadorna

126

Arrangement of Brisson

, 31

Valisineria

131

Latham,

ib.

Auatid

43

LiNNiEUS,

27

AwATIDiE

41

Pennant,

30

Anatomy of Birds

47

Vigors,

38

Angling, Lord Byron, or

6

Arse-foot 189

, 190

Anhinga

'342

Aner-Calze

222

Ani

347

Auk

212

the Greater

ib.

the Black-billed,

ib

Lesser

ib.

Common

ib'

Varied

ib.

Great

213

Walking

ib.

Little

ib.

Anser Ferus

129

Razor-bill

212

Mansuetns

ib.

Austrian Kite

105

Anseres

27

Pratincole

211

Anthophagus

329

AVES

41

Cincinnatus, ib.

Aquatic<e

35

Olivaceus,

320

Terreslres

32

Aptenouytes

387

Avoset

227

Australis

389

The American,

ib.

Chrysocome

, 388

Scooping,

ib.

Demersa,

387

White

ib.

Magellanicc

1,388

Awl-Bird

165

Bald Blizzard

I

105

Banana Bird

363

Coot

216

Bananiste

367

Eagle

103

Bank-Martin

159

Baltimore Bird

361

Banquet, the

276

Oriole

ib.

Bantam-Cock

146

INDEX.

443^

Barbauld, Mrs., Lines on

the Quinary Arrangement,40

Barbet 324

the Abyssinian 392

Beautiful 325

Spotted-bellied, ib.

Yellow-cheeked, ib.

Barbican, the Abyssinian, ^92

Bargander 126

Barley.Bird 253

Barra-Duck ib.

Barrel-Tit ' 218

Barren- Hen 224

Barrington, Hon. D., on

the Songs of Birds 65

Bat 315

Beam-Bird 246

Bean-Crake 186

Bearded-Eagle 104

Beckenham 12

Bee-bird 370

Bee- Eater 328

the Common ib.

Indian 329

Poe ib.

Rufous 329

Beech-Finch 252

Beef-Eate? 329

the African ib.

Striped ib.

Bell-bird 312, 341,342

Bernacle 127

Bilcock 186

Billy-biter 247

Birds of London 74

Bird of Paradise 320

the Greater, ib.

Kingof the, 321

Bittern 200

the Little 199

Bittour -200

Black-bird l'i6, 264

the Crow 357

Michaelmas, 259

's Song 263

Black-Cap, 180,219,220,273

's Song 272

Cock 223

Eagle 103

Game 223

Black Swan 125,344

Black-necked Swan 125

Blackv-Top . 248

Blood'of Birds 51

Blow-pipe, the Indian 294

Blue-bird 332

Address to the, 334

's Song 3So

Jay 154

Boat-bill 340

the Crested ib.
White-bellied, ib.

Bohemian Wax-wing 341

Bone-Taker 201

Bones of Birds 48

Booby 355

Boonk 199

Bottle-nose 21§

Bottle-Toni 218

Bramble 253
Brambling 19S, 253

Brantail 246

Breaker 324

Brisson's Arrangement, 30
British and European

Birds 97

British Museum 94

Bucco 324

Elegans 325

PhilippensiSf ib.

Saltii 392

Tamatia 325

Zeylonicus ib.

Bucerid 42

BUCERIDiE ib.

BucERos 383

Bicornis ib.

Hydrocorax, 384

UiidUlata ib.

Bulfinch 269

the Greatest, 175

's Sonnet 268

Bum-barrel 218

Bumpy-Coss 200

Bunting 191, 192

the Cirl 193

Common 192

j Cdw 337

j Green-headed, 193

Mountain jb.

444

INDKX.

Bunting, ilie Reed

192

■ P>nting-Crow loS

Rice

ib.

' IJutcherbird 195

Snow

191

Another sort of, ib.

Tawny

J 93

the Greater, 194

W eater

S89

Least 220

Yellow

19ti

Lesser 1 95

IJunting-Laik

ib.

Hutier-Hnnip 200

HupHAGA, Africana

3t9

Flip 227

Burrow Duck

12^

,173

Hnz/ard. t!ie Bald 105

Bustard

aOo

Moor 106

the Field

toe

Turkey 309

Great

ib.

Byron, Lord, on Anglin:,', 6

Little

ib.

tlieNigijiingale's.Song,72

'1 hick-kneed

867

c.

Calloels Cinerea 384

Campanero 341, 342

Canary-Bird 401

's Song 400

Finch 401

Goldfinch 232

Cancroma 340

Canciophaga, ib

Coclileuria, il>.

Canorous Cuculid, 137,503

Cape-Starling 169

Caper-Caize 222

Caper-Cally ib.

Caprimnlgid 44

CAPRIMULGIDi* 42

Caprimulgus 3i0

Americanus 315

Asiaticus 313

Carolinensis 315

EuropcBus 311

Gratidis 3 1 3
Indicus ib.

Longipennis ib.
SovcE Hollandia i b .

Virgin Janus 313

Vociferus 314

Car-Goose 189

iyARIAMA o59

Carolina-Pigeon . 120

Carpenter's- Bird 166

Cassowary, theGaleated, 381

New Holland, ib.

Southern, ib.

Cassowary, the Van Uie-

nien's Lund 382

Ca«tril 107

(Usu ARILS Diemenianus 382

Cat-Bird 371

Cereopsis 391

ISwa Hotlandi4S, 392

the Nf.w Holland, ib.

Certhia 193

Familiar is ib.

Longirosira 319

Obscura 330

Pacrfica ib.

Sannis 193

Certhiad 43

CERTHIADiE ib.

Chatiinch 252
the Pied I9i
Chanchider 370
ChanneNBiil 386
Chanticleer 147
Character, on the Forma-
tion of, 25
Charadriad 43

CUARADRIAD^ 41

CUARADRIUS 172

Calidris 174

Hiaticula 172

Himatopus 1 74

Moiinellus 172

Plutialis ib.

Chatham, the first Loid, 14

Chatterer 310

1KD£X.

446

Chatterer, the Bohemian

341

CotuMBA Dotnestica

116

Caiuuculateil 342

Lw'ta

118

European

341

Mi'^ratoria

120

]VIiirasin<{

342

CEnas

116

Pompadour

341

Paiumbus 116,271

Ked

ib.

Passerhm

120

Scarlet

ib.

Turiur

119

Variegated

ib.

Colnmbid

43

Waxen

ib.

COLUMBID^

41

Cliepster

168

Columbine Birds

34

Chep-starliiig

ib.

Coly,

the While-backed

387

Cherry-Finch

175

Colynibid

43

Sucker

sro

CoLYMBID.ffi

41

Chough

153

COLYMBUS

187

the Cornish

156

Arcticus

188

Chnck-M' ill's- Widow

315

Auritus

189

Churn-Owl

311

Cristatus

ib.

Citrmel

226

Fluviatitis

ib.

Cinnyrid

318

Glad alls

188

CiNNYUIDifi

427

Grylle

187

Cl>NYRIS

318

Immer

188

Affinis

319

- Minor

ib.

Ijongirostra

ib.

Obscura

139

Clakis

127

Septentrioiiulis

ib.

Cobb

179

Troile

18'

Coblde

188

Cone

Insion

417

Cobler's Awl

227

Cond

or 3

07, 313

Cobweb

370

Coiid

ur

ib.

Cock and Hen,theCommot

1,146

Conirost

43

of ilie Mountain

222

CONIROSTRES

42

Rock

406

Coot

216,217

Wood

222

the Bald

ib.

the Indian

345

Conniion

ib.

Pheasant

lb.

Greater

218

Cockatoo, theBanksian

398

Moor

216

Black

397

Weasel

210

Yellow-crested ib.

CORACIAS

204

Cook's

398

Ganula

ib.

Coddy-moddy

181

Cormorant z

10, 354

Cold-Fmclj

370

Corn-

Crake

186

Colemonse

2^0

Corn

-Drake

ib.

CoLEiUDGE, Mr., on the

Corni

sl»-Ciiough

156

Nightingale's Song

68

Daw

ib.

Con us, Leuconotus

386

Cornvrall-Kee

ib.

Colk

137

CORRiRA Italica

S65

Colly

264

Corvid

42

COLUMBA 34

,115

CORV

IDJE

ib.

Bantamensis

121

Corvorant

354

Carolinensis

120

CORVIJS

149

Coronata^

121

Caryocataetes

155

CoRVus Cristatus

154

E3ti
Creepe

r, the Olive 320

Corax

150

Tree 193

Comix

153

Cfek

186

Corone

ib.

Criks

397

Frugilegus

148

,149

Crocker 180

Graculus

156

Crooke

d-Bill 227

Glandarius

154

Crop of Birds 52

Monedula

153

Cross-bill 174. 175

Pica

155

Titmouse 219

Cotinga, the Scarlet

341

Cbotophaga 326

<3oucal

391

Ambulatoriu ib.

the Gigantic

ib.

Ani ib.

Pheasant

ib.

Major ib.

Conlternal

213

Varia ib.

Courser

390

Crow, the Buting 153

Courier, the Italian

265

Carrion ib.

Cow-Bunting

337

Common 161, ib.

Blackhird

ib.

Dun ib.

Cowpen

ib.

Gor ib.

Bird

ib.

Hooded ib.

Oriole

ib.

Indian 397

Coy.Pools

130

Mire 180

Coystrel

107

Pea^e 344

Cracid

41

Ked-Legged 156

Cracid^

ib.

Royston 153

Cracker

186

Scare ib.

Crake

169

Sea 180, 354

the Corn

186

Crowned Vulture 104

Bean

ib.

Cruelty

to Animals, on,

Gallinule

ib.

281, 282, 283

Water

169

CoGkoc

» 133, 137

Crane 196, 197,

201

,355

the Common ib.

the Common 197

,198,201

Honey-Guide 143

Dancing

202, ib.

Long-billed-Rain 144

Gigantic

201

Pheasant 391

Numidian

197

Red-headed 393

Cranery

198

,199

Sacred 144

Crank-Bird

167

Address to the, 137

Crax

344

Cuckoo's Maiden 208, 209

A lector

345

Cuculid

42

Galcata

ib.

the Canorous 137, 303

Globicera

ib.

CUCULI

DJE 42

Pauxi

ib.

CUCULUS 137

Voci/erans

ib.

Cemorus ib.

Creeper

193

Flavus 144

the Common

ib.

Honoratus ib.

Great Hooked-

Indicator 1 43

billed

330

Orient alls 144

Long-billed

319

Phasianus 391

Mocking

193

Vetula 144

INDEX.

447

Cuddy

216

Culver

119

CURA90A

344

the Cashew

345

Crested

ib.

Crying

ib.

Galeated

ib.

Globose

ib.

Curasso

344

Curassow

ib.

the Piping

339

Curcuma

198

Curlew, the Common

161, 163

Half

ib.

Jack

ib.

Knot

ib.

Pigmy

164

Red

326

Scarlet

ib.

Stone

163, 207

Currakeel

198

CURSOUIUS

390

Asiaticus

ib.

Europcdus

ib.

Curucui

364

the Fasciated

365

Indian

ib.

Red-bellied

ib.

Yellow-bellied

ib.

Cin-willet

174

Cushat

S7l

Cuthbert-Duck

1*27

Cutter

324

Cutty

S42

Wran

ib.

Wren

ib.

Cygnet

124

Cygnus Ferus

125

Olor

124

D.

Dabchick ;

189

Divedopper

189

Daker-Hen

186

Diver

187

Darter

342

the Black- throated

188

the Black-bellied

ib.

Dun

210

Surinam 343,391

Greater-Speckled

187

White-bellied

342

Imber

ib.

Daw

153

Lesser-Toothed

210

Decoy-Pools

131

Lougli

ib.

Demoiselle-Heron 197

,202

Northern

188

Dentirost

43

Red-throated

189

Dentirostkes

42

Dobchick

ib.

Dermody, a note on

4

the Black and White, ib.

Didapper

189

Eared

A.

DiDUS

382

Dodo

382-

Ineptus

383

the Hooded

383

Nazarenus

ib.

N azarene

ib.

Solitarius

ib.

Solitary

ib.

DiOMEDEA

336

Domesticated Birds

89

Chlororhyncos

337

Dorr-Hawk

311

Exulans

336

Dotterel

173

Fuliginosus

337

the Sea

184

Spadicea

336

Doncker, the Great

188

Dipper

189

Northern

188

Dirsh

257

Small

189

the Whinnle

260

Dove

119

Dish-Washer

247

the Greenland, 187

,207

448 INDEX,

Dove, the Mountain 120

Duck, the Edder

127

King 118, 271

Eider

ib.

's Lament S{7()

Muscovy

130

Rock 1 20

St. George's

126

Stock 116

Tame

130

Turtle 119

Wild

ib.

of the Uni-

Ducker, (he Greater,

ted Slates 120

Crested, and Horned

189

Wild 118

Duck-Hawk

110

Dronte 38:3

Dnivvich

11

Duck 12S

Duhvilly

173

the Bnrra ]26

Dun-bird

128

Burrow ib.

Dun-Crow

153

Canvass- Back 131

Dung- Hunter

180

Ciithbert 127

Duunock

266

E.

Eag!e

100

, 123

Emberiza Clilorocephala

193

the Bald

103

Cirlus

ib.

Bearded

104

Cilrinclla

\9i

Black

103

Hortulana

191

('rested

104

Miliaria

192

Fishing

105

Montana

193

Frencii

104

Muslelina

ib.

Golden

101

Nivalis

191

Oronookoo

104

Oryzivora

192

King-tailed

103

Pecoris

337

Sea

log

Schfcuichus

192

East India House Museum

94

Textrix

389

Ebb

192

Emeu

381

Edder.Duck

127

American

380

Education, notice concern-

of New South Wales

381

ing

17

Emnief-Hunrer

208

Eggs of Birds

61

English Lady

364

Egret, the Great

201

Erodia

392

Little

ib.

AmphiUnsix

ib.

Eider-Duck

127,

179

Pundiceriana

393

Down

128,

171

Erody, the Abyssinian

392

Goose

127

Pondicherry

393

Elk

125

Esculent Swallow 158

388

Ember Goose

188

Exeter Change, Birds ar,

95

Emberiza

191

INDEX.

449

Falco

10(f

Fieldfare

258

Mrtiginnsus

106

the Pifieon

ib.

Aiitillarum

J 07

Fig-Eater

248

Austriacus

105

Finch

252

Harbatus

104

the Beech

ib.

Buteo

106

Canary

401

Ccerukscens

109

Cold

370

Chrysaetos

101

Clierry

175

Communis

109

Fallow

2i7

Cyaneas

104

Gold

252

Fulvus

103

Great Pied

Gallicus

104

Mountain

193

Gyrfalco

109

Green

175

Haliaetos

105

Haw 175

, 176

"Harpyia

104

Lesser Mountain

,193

Lidnnurius

109

Mountain

253

Leucocephalus

103

Pitd

252

MUvus

105

Pied Mountain

191

Nisiis

108

Storm

214

(Esolon

109

'ihistle

25a

Orientulis

107

Fin- Foot

390

Ossifragus

102

the African

391

Palumbarius

108

American

ib.

Peregrinus

110

Fire- Bird

361

Pumilius

109

Fish-Hawk

105

Pygargus

104

Fisliin^-Hawk

ib.

Serpenfarius

ib.

Fissirost 43

,159

Subbuleo

109

FiSSIROSTRES

42

Tinnunculus

107

Flamingo

322

Vesptrtinus

109

the Chilese

323

Falcon, the Aged

109

Red

322

Common

ib.

Flicker

167

Gentle

ib.

Finder

188

Iiigrian

ib.

Fly Catcher

370

Ke.stril

107

the Cat

371

Peregrine

110

Fan-tailed

ib.

Tiny

109

Pied

370

Yearly

ib.

Purple-

Falconid

43

throated 371

Falconid^e

41

Spotted

370

Fallow Smieli

247

Food of Birds, on the, 53,55,276

Finch

ib.

Foreign Birds

201

F'eathers of Birds

46

Forest-Hill

9

Feldefare

258

French Eagle

104

Fieldefare

ib.

Pie

194

450

INDEX.

Frigate-Bird

Pelican

Fringilla

the Great

Canaria

Cannabina

Carduelis

Ccelebs

Domestica

Linaria

Linota

Montifiingilla

Montium

355
ib.
ib.

252
401
253
252

ib.
280
253
262
253

ib.

Fringilla Spinus

253

Xanthorea

ib.

Fringillid

42

Fringillid^

ib.

FULICA

216

Aterrima

218

Atra

217

Chloropus

216

Porphyrio

218

Purpurea

ib.

Fulmar

215

Furze- Chat

248

G.

Galbula

386

Goat-Sucker 156, 310, 311

Galeny

230

the Bombay 313

Gallina

ib.

Crested ib.

Galling

34

European 311

Gallinaceous Birds

ib.

Grand 313

Gallinula

S6

Leona 313

Gallinule

216

217

Nocturnal 3ll

the Common

216

Short-winged 313

Crake

186

Virginian ib.

Crowing

218

Whip-poor.

Purple

ib.

Will 313, 314

Spotted

187

GoDERicH,LordViscoimt,

Gambet

183

a Note 13

Game, what.

207

Godwit, the Cambridge 162

Black

223

Cinereous ib.

Moor

207

Common ib.

Red

224

Grey ib.

White

222

Lesser ib.

Gannet

227,356

Golden-Eagle 101

Gargauey

129

Eye 128

Gaunt

189

Robin 361

G^^se, on the Plucking of,

287

Tlinish 362

Gid

162

W^en 245

GilJlhowter

235

Goldfinch 174, 252

Glareola

211

's Song 251

Austriaca

ib.

Gookoo 137

Navia

ib.

Goose, the Barrel Headed 126

Senegalensis

ib.

Bean ib.

Glead

105

Bernacle 127

Glee

275

Black-Headed 126

Glossary

437

Brand 127

Goat-Owl

311

Brent ib.

IHDEX.

ibi

Goose, the Bustard

J26

Green Hnmming-Bird

350

Canada

127

Linnet

175

Chinese

126

Lefged-Horseman

163

Clatter

127

Sparrow

349

Ember

188

Greenshank

ib.

Eider

127

Greenland-Dove 187

213

Fen

129

Gregarionsness of Birds, on

Great, of Siberia 126 |

the.

85

Grey-Lag

129

Grey-Pate

252

Imlier

188

Skit

186

Muscovy

126

Grigi

347

Rat

IV

Grosbeak 174

,175

Road

ib.

the Abyssinian

177

Sly

126

Brimstone

176

Small Grey

127

Cardinal

ib.

Snow

126

Green

175

Soland

356

Haw

ib.

Spar-winged

126

Pensile

177

Swan

ib.

Philippine

176

Tame

129

Pine

175

Wild 213, ib.

Sociable

177

Goosander

209

Three- toed

364

the Imperial

210

Gronnd-Pigeon

120

Red- Breasted ib.

Hnck-mnck

246

Gor-Cock

224

Parakeet

350

Gor-Crow

163

Grouse 221

222

Goshawk

108

the Black

223

Gracula

357

Great

222

Barita

ib.

Pinnated

224

Cristellaia

353

Red

ib.

Quiscala

357

Wood

222

Religiosa

ib.

Gruid

43

Sturvina

ib.

GRUIDiE

41

Grakle

ib.

Guan

339

the Boat-tailed

ib.

the Crested

ib.

Crested

358

Guillemot

187

Minor

357

the Black

ib.

Purple

ib.

Foolish

ib.

Grallator

43,99

Lesser

188

Grallatores

41

Winter

ib.

Grall^

28,35

Gninea-Fowl 58

230

GRALL^ PiNNATIPEDES 36

Hen

ib.

Greatest Bulfinch

175

Guira-Guainumbi

368

Grebe

187

Gull

178

the Crested

189

the Arctic

180

Dnsky

ib.

Black-Cap

ib.

Eared

ib.

Headed

ib.

Little

ib.

Toed

181

Tippet

ib.

Brown

ib.

Green-Finch

175

Headed

180

45 i

lifDEX.

Gull, the Cloven- Footed

344

Gull, the Pewit

180

Cotumoi)

178

Sea

178

GreatBlack-backed

179

Skua.

181

and White ib.

Wagel

lb.

Herring

ib.

White-Web-footed

,178

Langhing

180

Winter

181

of Monla^n

181

'leazer 180

343

Less Black-blacked

180

F
155

Gyr-falcon, the Brown

t

109

Hagister

Heron

the Common

198

HiEMATOPUS ostrulgius

t>ll

Crested

lb.

Halcyon

171

Demoiselle 197

202

Halcyonid

42

Gardenian

199

Halcyonid^

ib.

Great White

201

Half-Curlew

1(53

Lesser Ash-Co-

Hangin;;-Bird

361

loured

200

Hangnest

ib.

Night

199

the American

408

Spotted

ib.

HarmerV Cottage

1

Heronry

ib.

Hawfinch 175

,176

Heronshaw

198

Haw-Grosbeak

175

Herrin

g-GulI

179

Hawk

107

Hew-Hole

165

the Dnck

110

Hick-Mall

219

Fi8h

105

Hick. Wall

167

Fishing

ib.

Hif?h-Hoe

165

Hover 107

,140

Hdl of Freedom

425

Oriental

107

Hirundinid 44

388

Spar

108

HlRUNDIMlD^

42

Sparrow

ib.

HiRUNDO

157

Hawks

27

Apus

158

Hay-Bird

246

Cayennensis

ib.

Hayes

14

Escultnta ib

388

Hayes-Common

15

Pelasgica

159

Heaih-Cock

223

Purpurea

158

Fowl

ib.

Riparia

159

Hen

V24

Rufa

158

Poult

223

Rustica

157

Hecco

195

Vrbica

158

Hedge-Sparrow

266

Hobb>

109

's Complaint

265

Ho ceo

345

Lines to a,

267

Hoinc-

Screech

258

Warbler

266

Holm-

riirush

ib.

Hen and Cock, theComnioi

146

Honey

-Eater

329

Hen-Harrier

104

the Great-Hook-

Hern

198

ed-billed

330

Hernsew

ib.

Hooked-billed

ib.

Henisliaw

ib.

Ohve

320

Heron ib.

200

Poe

329

INDEX.

453

Honey-Eaiinc Bir.ls 42

Hooded Crow 153
Hoop '202, 269

Hoop.T 125

Hoopoe 202

tlie Common il>.

Crest e<l 203

Hoopoe- Hen 406

Horn- Pill 383

the Indian 384

Jealous ib.

Philippine 383

Undulate 384

Horse-Finch 252

Horse of the Woods 222

House-.Sparrow 280

'* Speech 279

Hover-Hawk 107,140

How let 233

Huck-Miick 218

Humming-Bird 316

the Green 349

Least 318

Red-throated 317

Ruby-necked 318

Supercilious ib.

Hurgill 201

Ibis 325

the Egyptian ib.

Glossy 327

Scarlet 326

White-headed ib.

Wood ib.

Imber-Diver 188

Goose lb.

Immer 188

Incubation of Birds 59

Indian-Crow 397

Ingrian-Falcon 109

Insessor 43, 99

Insessores 41, 42
Instinct, on, 289,290,291,292

Introduction i

J.

Jabiru

369

Jacana, the Faithful,

369

the American

ib.

Jack-Daw

153

Indian

ib.

Jack-Nicker

252

New Holland

370

; Jam

339

Jacamar

386

Jav

164

Jacana

363

the Blue

ib.

the Chesnut

ib.

Judcock

162

Chilese

ib.

Kakelik

226

King-Fisher, the Common 171

Kamiclji

359

Crested 172

Kate

253

Green-Headed ib.

Kastril

107

Purple ib.

Kestrii

ib.

Splendid ib.

Kiddaw

187

Kite 108

Kidneys of Birds

56

the Austrian, ib.

Killigrew

156

Kittiwake 180

King-Fisher

17J

Koiio 329

the Belted

172

Kurki 198

454

INDPX,

L.

Lady's Hen

242

Larus Marinus

179

Ladywell

1,7

NcEvius

181

Land- Birds

32

Pamsiticus

180

Land-Hen

18

Ridibundus

ib.

Laniad

42

Rissa

ib.

liANIAD^

ih.

Latham's Arrangement

31

Lanius

194

Laverock

250

CoUurio

195

Lavy

187

Excubitor

194

Lee

8

Rutilus

195

Lewisham

1,8

Tyrannus

196

LiNNEAN Arrangement

27

Land-Rail

186

Society

97

Lanner

109

Linnet, the Brown

262

Lapwing

177,

183

Common

ib.

Large-Throat

201

Greater Red-

LariiJ

43, 343

headed

253

Larid^

41

Green

175

Lark

112,

250

Grey

262

the Bunting

192

Lesser Red-

Crested

114

headed

253

Common Field, 112,250

Mountain

lb.

Dusky

114

's Song

261

Field

ib.

Liver of Birds

55

Lesser Crested

ib.

Locust -Bird

260

Field

ib.

Long-Legs

174

Meadow

113

,114

Neck

199

Mounting

112

,250

Tongue

208

Old Field

113

Long-tail-Mag

218

Pennsvlvania

114

Pie

219

Pipit'

112

Long-tailed Capon

218

Red

114

Titmouse

ib.

Kock

ib.

Loon 187

, 188

Sea ib

173

,192

the Ash-coloured,

189

Short-heeled Field

,114

Greater

ib.

Sky

112

,250

Grey

ib.

Tit

113

Specklecf

ib.

Willow

248

Lory, the Ceram

397

Wood

113

,114

Scarlet

lb.

's Song

249

Yellow-breasted ib.

Larus

178

Louisine Starling

169

Argent atus

180

LoxiA

174

AtriciUa

181

Abyssinica

177

Canus

178

Cardinalis

176

Catarraetes

181

Chloris

17.5

Crepidattis

ib.

Coccothraustes

ib.

Fuscus

179

Curvirostra

ih.

INDEX.

455

Lo}^i

A Enucleutor
Pensilis
Pynhula
Philippinu
Socia

Sulphur ata
Tridactyla

175
177
177,269
176
177
176
364

Loxiad
hoxixvM
Lunda Bonger
Lungs of Birds
Luscinian Sylvia
Sylviad
Lyre

42
ib.
213
50
132, 303
272
215

M.

Macaw, the Red and Bine 397 j

Meliphagidce

42

Madge

155

Menura

385

Howlet

235

NoviB HollanditE

ib.

Mag

155

the New Holland

ib.

Magpie

ib.

Merganser

209

the Mountain

194

the Minute

210

Male and Female, diflFer-

Red-breasted ib.

ence between, 58, 64 |

Mergus

209

Malkoha, the Red-headed

393

Albellus

210

Mallard

130

Castor

ib.

Man-of-War Bird, $36

, 355

Imperialis

ib.

Manakin

404

Merganser

209

theBIack-capped

406

Minutus

210

Crested

ib.

Serrator

ib.

Little

ib.

Merle

264

Rock

ib.

Merlin

109

Tuneful

405

Meropid

42

's Song

404

Meropid^

ib.

Manks-Puflfin

215

Merops

328

Mansfenny

107

Apiaster

ib.

Marail

339

Rufus

ib.

Marrot

213

Viridis

329

Marsh-Hen

216

Merulid 42

,272

Martin, the Bank

159

Merulii)^

42

Black

158

Mew, the Sea,

178

Ground

159

Winter

181

House

158

Migration of Birds

82

Sand

159

Migratory Summer Birds

84

Martin-Fisher

171

Winter Birds

ib.

Martinet

158

Mimic Thrush

373

Martlet

ib.

Mire-Drum

200

Mattages

3 94

Mire-Crow

180

Mavis

257

Missel

258

Maw, the Sea

178

Missel-Bird

ib.

Meleagris

228

Thrush

ib.

Gallipavo

ib.

Misseltoe-Thrush

ib.

Saiym

229

Mocking-Bird

373

Meliphagid .

42

to the,

372

456

INDEX.

Mocking-bird'i Song

405

MoTACiLLA SuUcaria

248

'.sNislit.Song4i8

Spinicauda

366

tlieEnj-lish

Sutoria

323

273

,375

Sylvia

248

French

375

Sylviella

248

Mock-Niji

itingale

'37 o

Sytvicola

246

MOMOTUH

567

Trochilus

ib.

• Btusiliensis

368

Troglodytes

242

Moor Biizzanl

105

Mother Gary's Ciiickeii

214

Cock

224

Goose

ib.

Coot

216

Motniot"

367

Hen

ib.

the Brazilian

368

Titlin

g

'248

Monltina; of Birds

46

Moiv-Hen

216

Mountain Dove

120

Monot

188

Finch

253

MoTACltXA 241

,365

Cock

224

African a

o66

Linnet

253

Alba

247

Magpie

194

Arundinacea

246

Monntinc-Lark

i?50

Atricapilla

273

Mouse-Hawk

236

Estiva

S66

Birds

286

Bananicora

367

Mullet

213

Boarula

247

Muniruffin

219

Calendula

367

Murdering-Bird

194

Carolinensis

ib.

Murre 187

,212

Carruca

S66

MUSCICAPA

370

Cijanea

ib.

Aedon

371

Dartfordicnsis

248

Atricapilla

370

Flava

ib.

Carolinensis

371

Hippolais

246

Flahellifera

ib.

lloitensis

ib.

Grisola

370

Luscin'ia

132

Rubicollis

371

Modulaiis

'266

Musicapid

42

N(pvia

248

MUSCICAPIDJE

ib.

(Ennnihe

247

Muscovy-Duck

130

Palmamm

366

Musket

107

PiUsUis

<67

MusoPHAGA Violacea

390

Pha:nicurm

246

Musquet

ib.

Regulua

'^54

Mycteria

369

Ruhecula

241

Americana

ib

Ruhelra

248

Asiatica

ib.

Ruhicola

lb.

NoveeHollanditB 370

Natator

43, 99 i

Nest of the Chaffinch

19

Natatokes

41 !

Escuient-Swa

-

Nectariniad

42 i

low

23

Nectariniai)^

ib.

Goldfinch

19

Nest of the

Blackbird

19

House-Sparrow 20

INDEX.

457

Nest of the Humming-Bird

,81

Night Heron

199

Long-tailed-

Jar 194,

311

Titmoiise

18

Raven

199

Magpie

ib.

Nightingale 128

132

Martin

21

Address to the

, ib.

Oriole

23

'8 Notes, on the

, 68

Plulippine-Gros

i- '

's Song

274

beak

ib.

the Mock

273

Rufous Bee-

Spanish

408

Eater

ib.

Noddy

344

Swallow

21

Nomenclature of Ornitho-

Tailor-Bird

22

logy

43

Thnish

18

Nope

269

Wood-Pigeon

21

Numenius

164

Pecker

ib.

NuMiDA Meleagris

230

Wren 18,

243

Nun

219

Nettle-Creeper 248,

273

the White

210

Monger

273

Nutcracker

155

Nidification of Birds

79

Nuthatch

205

Night Hawk 311,

313

C
211

Nuijobber

ib.

Olive

Oriolus Textor

389

Oriental Hawk

107-

Ornithologia, Part I.

97

Oriole 219,

361

Part II.

299

the Baltimore

361

Ortolan

191

Banana

363

the English

247

Black and Yellow ib.

Osprey 102, 105

,312

Bonana

ib.

Ostrich

377

Cow pen

337

the Black

ib.

Golden

362

African

ib.

Hang-nest 361

408

American

380

Icteric

362

Otis

205

Red-winged

ib.

CEdicnemus

207

Weaver

389

Tarda

206

Weever

ib.

Telrax

ib.

's Song

407

Onrah, what

294

Orioi.us

361

Ouzel

259

Banana

363

the Brook

186

Baltimore

361

Carnation

259

Bonana

363

Mountain

ib.

Galbula

362

Ring

ib.

Icterus

ib.

Rock

ib.

Nidipendulus 361

,408

Rose-colonred

ib.

Niger

363

Tor

ib.

Pecoris

337

Water

169

Persicus

363

Owl

232

Phcenic(Bus

362

the Aluco
X

234

\

INDEX.

, the Black

234

OwF, tlie Little

237

Burrowing

237

Horned

ib.

Church

236

Long-eared

234

Common Barn

ib.

Nyctea

237

Brown

234

Screech

234

235

Coquimbo

237

Short-eared

236

EaiTle

233

Tawny

234

Great

ib.

Wliite

235

Horned

ib.

Wood

234

Eared

ib.

Woodcock

236

Hawk

236

Ox-

Bird

185

Hissing

235

Ox

Eye

-lb

219

Horn

.234

Oyster-Catcher, the Pied

211

Ivy '5J.

v.iH.

P.

Pairing;; of Birds

59

Partridge, the Perching

222

Palamedea

358

Red

ib.

Ch({}a

359

Legged

ib.

CorriHta

358

White

ib.

Cristata

359

Pauus

218

Palmipedes

S6

Amatorius

220

PARADISEA

320

Ater

ib.

Apodu

ib.

Biarmicus

ib.

Regia

521

Caudatus

218

Parakeet, the CaroUne

398

Caruleus

219

Ground

350

Cristatus

220

Paroquet, the Golden

398

Major

219

Paroquets

397

Puivstris

220

Parra

368

Pevdidinus

ib.

Chavaria

369

Passenger Fiyton

120

ChiUnsis

368

Pass EKES 29, SS

Jacunn

ib.

Passerine Birds

ib.

Parrot

394

Pavo

231

the Alexandrine

397

Bicu'caratus

232

Caroline

398

Cristatus

231

Common

ib.

MuHcus

232

,j" Hoary

397

Thibet anus

ib.

Illinois

398

Pcacork

231

Paradise

ib.

the Crested

ib.

Yellow-headed ib.

. Iris

^32

partridge

221

Japan

ib.

the Barbary

222

Thibet

2S2

Common

22 I

Pease-Crow

344

French

222

Peewit

183

Great

226

Pelecanus

353

Greek

222

u\'C Aquilus

355

Guernsey

ib.

Bassanm

356

INDEX.

459

PtiLECANUS Carbo 354

Gntculus 353

Omcratalus 353

Sula 355

Pelecauid 43

PELECANIDiE 41

Pelican 348,35.3

the Frigate 355

White 353

Penelope S39

Cristata ib.

Cumunensls ib.

Maril ib.

Pipile ib.

Penge-Wood 12

Penguin (see Pingnin)

213, 3Q7

Pennant's Arrangement 30

Perclieis 42

Persic 36 S

Petrel 214

the Broad-billed 215

Fulmar ib.

Giant 214

Little lb.

Shear- Water 215

' ■• Stormy 214

Petty-chaps, the Greater, 246

Lesser ib.

Pewit 18.j

Phalarope 184

the Grey ib.

Red ib.

Phalaropus 36, ib.

Pharoah's Chicken 310

Phasianid " 43

PhaSIANII).* 41

Phascanus 144,391

Argus 147

Cvlchicus 144

Cristalus 147

GuUuH 146

•■' ' Mexicanus l47

Superbus ib.

Phaeton 348

Mthereus 349

Melanorynchoa i b .

Pha-nicurus ib.

Pheasant 144

the Argus 147

Pheasant, Cock 345

the Common 144

Courier 147

Crested ib.

Golden ib.

Mountain 385

of Guiana 345

Philomel lot

Philomela ib.

Phcenicophaus Pyrrhoce-

phalus 393

Phcenicopterus 322

Chilensis 323

Ruber 322

Phytotoma Rara 364-

Picarini J 227

Pic^ 27,33

Picid 43

PiciD^ 42

Picus 164

Auratus i67

Erytlirocephalus 166

Major 1 67

Mar tins 16 'y

Minor 167

Principalis 166

Pubescens 167

ViUosvjt ib.

Viridis 165

Pie '" 155

the French 194

Pienet 21 1

Pies 27,33

Pet 169

Pigeon 34, 115

the Carolina i^O

Carrier 116

Common ib.

Domestic ib.

Fan-tail lib.

Great Crowned

Indian 121

Ground 120

Horseman 116

Passenger 120

Ring 271

Rock 118

Roujih-footed 116

Stock ib.

Tmnbler ib.
X2

460

JNDEX.

Pigeon, the White-Rumped 118

Wood 115,118,271

Pigeon-Fieldfare 258

Pine-Grosbeak 175

Pinguin 387

the Apterous 389

Cape 387

Crested 388

Hopping, ib.

Mai;ellanic ih.

Patagonian 389

Pink 232

PiNNATIPEDES 36

Pintado 230

Pip, the 48

Pipet-Lark 114

Pippet ib.

Pi PR A 404

Manacus 406

Minuta ib.

Musica 405

Rupicola 406

Piprid 42

PlPRID-iE ib.

Pirennet 126

Pitt, Mr. 16

Plant-Cutter 364

the Abyssinian ih.

Chili ib.

Plantain-Eater, the Violet 390

Platalea 374

Aj(ya 348

Leucorodia ib.

Pygmeea i b.

PlOTUS 342

Anhinga ib.

Melanogaster ib.

Surinamensis 343

Plough Bo^'s Song 3

Plover 172

the Bastard 183

Coromandel 390

Cream-coloured ib.

Golden 173

Greater 163

Green 173, 183

Grey 173

Long-Legged 174

Norfolk 207

Ringed 173

Plover, the Stone 162
Whistling 173
Pochard 128
PODICEPS o6
Poe-Bird 329
Bee-Eater ib.
Honey-Eater ib.
Bird's Song 33l
PoGoNius Saltii 392
Poker 128
POLOPHILUS 391
Gigas ib.
Phasianus 392
Pope on Instinct 290
Pope , 213
Popinjays 398
Poppinjay 165
Powese 345
Prairie-Hen 224
Pratincole 211
the Austrian ib.
Senegal ib.
Spotted ib.
Prior on Reason and In-
stinct 292
Prist Andnn 319
Procellaria 214
Gigantea ib.
Glacialis 215
Pelagica 214
Pvffinus 215
Urinatrix ib.
Vittuta ib.
Froineropid 42
Promekopid^ ib.
Fronierop.o, the Grand 203
Mexican ib.
New Guinea,
Brown ib.
Proventriculus of Birds 54
Psittacid 42
PsittacidcB ib.
Psittacls 394
Mstivus 398
Alexandri 397
Aterrimus ib.
Aureus 398
Banksii 399
Carolinensis ib.
Cookii ib.

INDEX.

4t>l

PsiTTACDs Cristalus

397

Pteropus

390

Erythacus

ib.

Africanus

391

Garrulus

ib.

Surinatnensis

ib.

Guineensis

ib.

Pudding-Poke

219

Macao

ib.

Puffin

215

Ochrocephalus 398

Pnit

180

Paradisi

ib.

Pulse of Birds

51

PSOPHIA

360

Pur 174,185

Crepitans

ib.

Purre

185

Undulaia

ib.

Puttock

106

Ptarmigan

2^22

Q

200

Qua- Bird

Queeze

271

Quail

225

Querkey

198

the Virginian

ne

Quest

271

Quebrada, what

514

Quinary Arrangement

41

Rafter

R

370

RECURViROSTRA^wtericana* ib»

Kail

186

Avocetta

ib.

the Land

ib.

Redbreast

241

Water

ib.

's Song

239

Rain-Bird

165

Red-Game

224

Cuckoo

144

Hoop

269

Fowl

165

Legged -Crow

156

Rallid

43

Pole

253

RALLIDiE

41

the Greater

ib.

Rallus

186

Stone

ib.

Aquaticus

ib.

Shank, the Spotted

162

Crex

ib.

Start

246

Porzana

187

Steert

ib.

Raniphestid

42

Tail

ib.

Ramphastid^

ib.

Wing

260

Ramphastos

346

Red-Headed-Widgeon

128

Tucanut

ib.

Reed-Hunting

192

Viridis

347

Sparrow

ib.

Raptor

43,99

the Lesser

246

Raptores

41

Wren

ib.

Rasor

43,99

Reeve

182

R AS ORES

41

Rhea

380

Raven

150

Rhynchops nigra

324

the Night

199

Rice-Bird

192

Razor-Bill

212

Bunting

ib.

Reason, what

290

Richel-Bird

344

Reclrvirostra

227

Ring-Dove 115,

271

AUa

ib.

's Lament

270

4t)2

INDEX.

Ring-Pigeon 115

,271

Roller, the Brazilian Saw-

Ring-tail

104

billed

368

King-tailed-Eagle

103

Common

204

Robin

241

Garrulous

ib.

the Golden

361

Rook 144

,149

Redbreast

241

Address to the,

148

Riddick

ib.

Rookeries

75

tlie Wood

41d

RoysJon-Crow

15S

Robinet

241

Ruddock

241

Rock-Dove

118

Ruff

182

Rockier

ib.

Runner

186

Roller

204

.

fi

I.

Sanderling 174

185

SCO LOP AX CEgocephala

162

Sand-Martin

158

PhcBopus

163

Sand-Piper

182

PigmcFa

164

the Aberdeen

184

Rnsticola

160

Ash-coloured ib.

Totanm

162

Black

ib.

Scooper

227

Brown

ib.

Scopus Umbrella

387

Common

185

Scout

187

Green

184

Scraber

ib.

Greenwich

ib.

SCRATCHERS

133

Grev

ib.

Screamer

358

Little

ib.

the Chaja

359

Purple

ib.

Crested

ib.

Red

ib.

Horned

358

Necked

185

SCYTiiROPs Psittacus

386

Sea

184

Sea-Crow 180

354

Selniger

185

Dotterel

184

Spotted

ib.

Eagle

102

Wood

ib.

Gull

178

Sa wing-Bird

364

Hen

187

Scansor

43

Lark

114

SCANSORES

42

Mall

178

Scare-Crow

153

Maw

ib.

Schelt-Drake

ib.

Mew

ib.

Scientific Terms

95

Baltner's Great

Scolopacid

43

Ash-coloured

181

ScoLOPACIDiE

41

Parrot

213

SCOLOPAX

160

Pie

211

Arquaia

163

Sand-Piper

ia4

Canescens

162

Swallow 214

,343

Cantabrigiensis

ib.

the Lesser

344

Gallinago

161

Turtle

187

Gallinula

162

Woodcock

162

Glottis

16S

Secretarius 33

, 104

Limosa

162

Secretary

ib.

Major

161

Vulture

ib.

INDEX.

463

Sedge-Bird 248

Warbler ib.

Wren ib.

Selby's British Birds 92

Senses of Birds 49

Serpent-Vulture 104

Serula 210

Seven-Sleepers 82

Shag 355

Shear- Water 215

Sheath-bill, the White 364

Sheldrake 126

Sheld-Apple 175

Sliepster 168

Shieldrake 126

Shore-Bird 159

Shoveler 128

Shovelards 207

Shreek 194

Shrike ib.

the Cinereous ib.

Great ib.

Cinereous ib.

Red-Backed 195

Tyrant 196

Silk-tail, 341

Sistcin ' 253

SiTTA EurnpcBa 205

Skeer-Devil 158

Skiddy-Cock 186

Skimmer, the Black 324

Skippog ib.

Skir-Devil 158

Skreech 258

Thrush ib.

Sky-Lark 250

*l5 Song 249

Sleep of Birds 56

Siiiew 210

the Minute ib.

Red-Headed ib.

Snake-Eater . . . ; ' K ' 104

Bird ' ' 342

Sxiatchers 123

Snipe, the Common 161

Great ^ ib.

Jack 162

Jadreka ib.

Least ■ 185

Spoiled 162

Snipe, the Summer 185

Snorter „ 247

Spow-Bird 19l

Bunting ib.

Flake ib,

Soland Goose 356

Song of the Blackbird 263

Biack-Cap 272

Blue-Bird 333

Bul6nch (Son-
net) 268
^ , Canary-Bird 400
Goldfinch 25 1
Hedge-Sparrow-s

Complaint 265
Linnet 261

Manakin 404

Mocking-Bird 405
at
Night 418

Nightuigale 69,274
Oriole 407

Plough-Boy 3

Poe-Bird 331

Redbreast 239

Ring-Dove (La-
ment) 270
Skylark 249
Tanager 409
Thrush 255
Woodlark (In-
vocation) 112
Wood-Robin

(Morning) 351

Wood-Thrush

(Evening) 415

Songs of Birds, on the 67

Song-Thrush 257

Sonnet of the Bulfinch ^26S

Spar-Hawk 108

Sparkling-Fowl 210

Sparrow 280

the Green 349

Hedge 266

House 280

House,Speech279

Hawk 108

Lesser-Reed 248

Sparrows 29

464

INDEX.

Spoon-Bill

347

STRVTHioCamelus

377

the Dwarf

348

Cusuarius

381

Roseate

ib.

Nnvee Hollandu£

ib.

White

ib.

Rhea

380

Spring, Address to the

298

Strutiiiones

35

Stag

182

Struthionid

43

Stannel

107

Struthionid^

41

Staie 167

,168

Sturnid

42

Starling

ib.

STURMDiE

ib.

the Cape

167

StURNL'S

167

Louisine

:i69

Capensis

169

Red-winged

36i

Cinclu8

ib.

Steingel

W7

LudnvicianuB

ib.

Sterna

343

Vulgaris

168

Cantiaca

344

Sultana

218

Fissipes

ib.

Snmmer-Snipe

185

Hirundo

343

Sun-Bird

391

Minuta

344

Sun-Birds

318

Sfolida

ib.

Swallow

157

Sterne's Starling

168

the Car

344

Stint

185

Chimney 157

159

Stomach of Birds

51

Esculent 158

388

Stock-Dove

116

Purple

ib.

Pigeon

ib.

Sea 214

,343

Stoi-egall

107

Lesser Sea

344

Stone-Chat

248

Swan, the Black 125,

344

Chatter

ib.

Necked

ib.

Curlew

163

Mute

124

Plover

162

Tame

ib.

Smich

248

Whistling

125

Smith

ib.

Wild

ib.

Stopping, what

47

Goose

126

Stork, the White

196

Sweet, Mr. on the Songs

Storm

411

of Birds

72

Storm-Cock

258

Swift

158

Finch

214

the White-CoUaied

ib.

St rigid

43

Swimmers

123

Strigid^

41

Swine- Pipe

260

Strix

232

Sydenham

10

Brachyotos

236

Sylvia ' 239, 298

365

Bubo

233

Africana

366

Cunicularia

237

Atrkapilla

272

Flaminta

235

Luscinia 132

274

Nyctea

237

Modularis

265

Otus

234

Rubeciila

239

Passerina

237

Siaiis

332

Scops

ib.

Sutoria

323

Stridula

234

the Luscinian

303

Virginiana

ib.

Sylviad 42, 272,

334

Strnctiire of Birds

45

Sylviad^

42

Struthio

377

INDEX.

465

Tailoi-Bird

323

Tetrao Scoticus

224

'8 Nest

S!2

Tetrix

223

Warbler

3"23

Urog alius

222

Wren

ib.

Virginianus

226

Tanager

409

Tetraonid

43

the Black and Blue ib.

Tetraonid^

41

Golden

ib.

Thistle-Finch

252

Red-Breasted

ib.

Throstle

257

's Song

409

Cock

258

Tanagra

410

Tlirush 66, 67

,257

Jacapa

ib.

the Alarm

260

Mexicana

ib.

Holm

258

Vivlacea

ib.

Mimic

373

Tantalus

325

Missel

258

Ibis

ib.

Missel toe

ib.

Igneus

S-27

Polyglot

303

Leucocephalus

S'l6

Red-Bieasted

417

Loculator

ib.

Reed

260

Ruber

ib.

Rose-coloured

259

Tarrock

180

Song

257

Tassel

110

Whinnle

260

Taylor- Bird, see Tailor-

AVin.l

ib.

Bird

3-23

VVindle

ib.

Teal, the Common

128

Wood 350,416

Summer

129

's Song

255

Teaser

180

Tidley Goldfinch

245

Tennirost

43

Tinamon, the Great

226

Tenuirostres

42

Tinkerslnre

187

Tercel et

110

Tinta Negra

273

Tercell

110

Tiny Falcon

109

Tern

343

Tircelet

110

. the Black

344

Titling

266

Smaller

ib.

Titmouse

218

Common

343

the Amorous

220

Greater

ib.

Bearded

ib.

Kamtschatka

344

Blue 162

, 219

Lesser

ib.

Crested

220

Sandwich

ib.

Cross-bill

219

Surinam

391

Great

ib.

Tetrao

2i;i

Long- tailed

218

Cotvrnix

2'i5

Marsh

220

Ciipidu

224

Pendniine

ib.

Kukalik

226

Todid

42

Lagopus

222

ToniD^

ib.

Mqjor

226

Tonus

349

Perdix

221

Vindis

350

Rufus

222

Regius

ib.

X 3

4!S0

INI

DEX.

TovvsPlatyrhynos

350

Trochilid 42. 251

Obscurus

ib.

Trochilidje

42

Tody, the Green

ib.

Trochilus

316

King

ib.

Calubris

317

Broad-billed

ib.

Minimus

318

Obscure

ib.

Moschitus

ib.

Tpmtit 162

,219

Supercitiosus

ib.

the Great Black-

Trogon

364

headed

ib.

Curucui

36'i

Little Bladi-

Fasciata

ib.

headed

220

sindicus "•

ib.

Tony-Hoop

269

Viridis

ib.

Tor-Ouzei

259

Tropic Bird

348

Toucan

346

theBlack-billed349

the Green

347

('oniinon

ib.

Yellow-breasted

346

Red-tailed

ib.

Toucanet

347

Troupiale

364

Tout-voix

367

Troupiole 3*0, 363

,364

Tow-witty

174

Trumpeter

360

Trachea of Birds

54

the Gold- breasted ib.

Tree-Climber

193

Undulate

ib.

Tringa

182

TURDUS

256

Canuius

185

Arundinacms

260

Cinerea

184

Curaus

260

Cinclus

185

IHacus

ib.

Fusca

184

Lividus

371

Gambetta

183

Melodus 351,352,416

Glareola

184

Merula

264

Grenovicensis

ib.

Migratorius

417

Hyperborea

ib.

Mindanensis

'ieo

Hypoleucos

185

* Musicus

1b7

Interpretes

184

Pilaris

258

Islandica

ib.

Pohjglottus

373

Lincolniensis

ib.

Rosens

259

Lobata

ib.

Tinnicns

260

Maculuria

ib.

Torguatus

259

Nigricans

ib.

Viscimrus

258

Ochropus

ib.

Turkey

228

Pngnax

182

the Common

ib.

Pitsilla

184

Horned

229

Squatarola

ib.

Wild

ib.

Vanellus

183

Turnstone

184

Tringa, the Cock-Coot-

Turtle-Dove

119

footed

184

of the United

Grey Coot-

States

120

footed

ib.

the Sea

187

Red Coot-

Twink

25«

footed

ib.

Twite

253

Spotted

ib.

Tydy

196

INDEX,

467

U.

Umbre, the Tufted

387

Upupa Papuensis

•203

Upupa

20^

Parndisea

ib.

Epops

ib.

Superba

ib.

ttjexicana

203

V
384

Uria

37

Vaginalis Alba

Vulture'

306

Valedictory Lines

434

the Aquiline

310

Valley of Nigiitingales

421

Carrion

309

VjiNELLUS Tricolor

183

Crested

310

Veelvare

258

Crowned

104

Velvet Runner

186

King

308

Vigor's Arrangement

38

Secretary

104

VULTUR

306

Serpent

ib.

Aura

309

Turkey

309

Crisiutus

310

Vultures, the King of the

308

Gryphus

307

Viilturid

43

Papa

308

VULTURID^

41

Percnopterus

310

\1

/.

Waders 28, 35

,123

Warbler, the Superb

366

Wagel-Gull

181

Tailor

3T3

Wagtail

185

Thorn-tailed

366

the Cinereons

248

Yellow-pbll

ib.

Collared

247

Warblers, Address to the

297

Green

ib.

Wash-Dish

247

i::^

247

Washerwoman

ib.

ib.

Watchy-Picket

408

Spring

248

VVater-Biros

35

Summer

ib.

Water-Crake

169

Water

247

Water-Crow

ib.

White

ib.

Hen, tlie Common

, 216

Winter

ib.

Spotted

187

Yellow

248

Ouzel

169

Warbler

365

Rail

186

the African

366

Sparrow

192

iiahbling

ib.

Wagtail

247

Banana

367

Wattle Bird, the Cinereous 384

Bine

332

Wave, the Tenth

435

BJue-eyed-

Weaver-Bird

389

Yellow

366

Bunting

ib.

Dartford

248

Oriole

ib.

Hedge

266

Web-footed Birds

36

Palm

366

Weesel-Coot

210

Pensile

367

Weever-Birds

389

Sedge

248

Wheap

163

468

INDEX.

Wheat-Ear

247

Wood-Pigcon,Addres8tothe352

"WlJeel-Bird

311

Thrush

351

W hewer

128

Titmouse

245

Whim

ib.

Woodpecker 164, 165

166

Whimbrel

163

the Downy

167

Whin-Chat

248

Golden-winged

ib.

Whip-poor-WiW

313

314

Great.black

165

Whitt-Game

222

Greater-spottedl67

Nim

210

Green

165

Tail

247

Haiiy

167

Throat

248

Ivory-billed

166

the Lesser

ib.

Lesser-spotted

167

Wagtail

247

Red-headed

166

Widgeon

128

White-billed

ib.

the Red-headed

ib.

Woodspite

165

Wieranale

194

Woodwail

ib.

Wild-Geese

129

213

Wourali Poison, what

294

Willock

187

213

Wran

242

Willow-Lark

248

Wren

ib.

Willy-Winky

192

the Caroline

367

Wilson, Alexander,

Common

242

some Account of

90

Gntty

ib.

Wh)d-Hover

107

Golden

245

Winter Gull

181

Crested

ib.

Mew

ib.

Green

246

Witch

214

Ground

ib.

Wit-wall

362

Loui,'<iane

367

Wood- Chat

195

Reed

246

Woodcock

160

Ruby-crowned

367

the Sea

162

Scotch

V46

Woodcracker

205

Sedge ,

248

Woodlark

113

Tailor

323

's Invocation

112

Willow

246

Wood-Pigeon 115,

118

271

Wood

ib.

Qiiist

ib.

274

Yellow

ib.

Robin

350

, 351

Wren, Lines to a

243

'8 Song

ib.

Wryneck

208

Address to the,

352
339

Yacou

Yellow-Bird fiom Bengal

363

Yaffle

165

Bunting

192

Yaffler

ib.

Hammer ib

.226

Yappingale

ib.

Pate

196

Y5i?whelp

162

Yelper

227

Yfirwhip

ib.

Young Birds

61

Yearly- Falcon

109

z

99

YuNX Torquilla

208

Zoologieal Society

Zumbadore 307

,315

THE

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

A POEM.
By JAMES JENNINGS,

AUTHOR OF ORNITHOLOGIA, &c.

" The green hills
Are cloth'd with early blossoms, and the bills
Of Summer birds sing welcome as YE pass ;
Flowers fresh in hue and many in their class
Implore the pausing step, and with their dyes
Dance in the soft breeze/'

Lord Byron's Childe Harold, Canto IV.

LONDON :
POOLE AND EDWARDS, AVE^MARIA LANE.

1828.

J. »iid C. Adiard, Printers, Bartholomew Close.

To HER, who, midst the world's vicissitudes
Of Good, of 111, of Pleasure, and of Pain,
Hath ever boldly stood, like stedfast rock.
Amid the strife of ocean ; — HER who still.
Through years of varied fortune, still unchang'd,
A faithful friend and comforter remains ; —
To HER who long, beside the social hearth.
Hath twin*d of Firmness and of Constancy
A wreath that ne'er shall perish ; unto HER
Affectionate, sincere, this Sylvan Song
I consecrate — these Pleasures of the Birds,

J. J.

To ally Poetry to Nature, to Science, to Truth, and
to Humanity — to make her a useful handmaiden in the
accomplishment of great, good, and important ends,— have
been the objects in the present production.

The author having lately published Ornithologia, or
the Birds, a Poem, with an Introduction to their Natural
History^ and copious Notes, which has been well received
as a comprehensive manual, presumes that a Summary,
in which a more dignified measure is adopted, and modern
terms less sparingly used than in Ornithologia, will be
agreeable to the Eclectics of the Science ; and indeed
generally to those who have made some proficiency in it ;
while, at the same time, it is hoped that the Poem itself will
not be devoid of interest for the general reader, as much
simplicity as seemed consistent with the subject and the
style having been introduced.

Some explanatory Notes are added. Should further
information concerning Birds be desired, Ornithologia may
be consulted, no Bird being alluded to in the following
Poem which is not described in that work.

A few copies of this Poem having been printed and circulated ^
chiefly among the Author's Jrienas, it has been noticed in a very
singular way in tfie London Magazine: six pages have been
occupied in that Journal in displaying the critic^s piquancy of
remark ; whether he meant to commend or discommend the work
is difficult to know, as he begins by calling it a " meritorious
production,^' \and ends by abusing it. To all candid and useful
criticism the author is ever ready to pay the utmost deference,
nay, will be greatly obliged by it; but, to the sweeping conclusions
of the London Magazine, he can pay no attention.

September 16, 1828.

THE

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

Once more of Birds — one last — one final strain
From willing minstrel of the warbler throng,
Ere yet his Harp be silent ; ere the hand,
Which freely runs delighted o*er its strings,
Becomes for ever still : one final strain.
Or, ere that Time, with soft and stealthy thread,
Mows down to dust his being ; when for Him
No more shall Merulid (*) or Sylviad (*) wake
With melody the dell ; for Him no more
The lively Alaudinas (^) song shall float
Upon the gales of ether ; ere for Him
All on the Earth is finished ; yet once more —
Once more of Birds— one last — one final strain.

(') Merulid, a bird of the Thrush tribe. — (^) Sijlviad, a
bird of the Warbler tribe.— (3) Aluudina^ a bird of the
Lark tribe, but here meant for tlie Sky Larlc.

O PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

O YE whom silken Pleasure leads along
In mazy whirl ; YE whom Prosperity
Bears on her favouring gales that wake for You
Their fitful melody, and in their train
Too often lead Forgetfulness ; O YE
Who live unto yourselves, and banish care
Of others* happiness far, far beyond
Your dwelling ; YE who often laugh to scorn
The Feelings, while, to torture YE subject
The feathered tribes in sport ; and deem so broad
Your proud prerogative, that boundaries none
Hath it, except youv pleasure or your will ;
That man is lord of all, beyond dispute —
Without conditions, YE mistaken ones !
If yet within your bosom there remain
The slenderest portion of humanity —
A trembling sob, for gentle pity's sake —
Brief audience deign, O listen to my song!

And thou, the godlike Essence ! too, approach ,
Benevolence ! than whom presides o'er earth
Aught more divine, more lovely ; effluence thou
From Justice high, immutable and pure,
And all-pervading; with thy magic wand
Of sympathy the cold, the torpid, touch,
And rouse to active energy their souls ;
While through the song, benignant ministress !

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY,

Deign thou thy potent spirit to diffuse, —
And live the Lay shall, nor be sung in vain.

And think YE that the princes of the air,
The warblers of the valley and the wood —
Only for mayi created ? — Think YE they
Have not a world of happiness their own.
Of sympathies, of hopes, of pleasures, fears,
Maugre man's intervention? That for him
They skim the valley — sweep the wavy main —
Or on her bosom buoyantly preside ; —
For kim, and only him the Merulid
Awakes the morning with his song ; for him
The Corvid (^) caws ; for him Luscinia*s (^) voice
At midnight heard in all its melody,
What time the amber clouds o'er ether sail.
And moon and stars, and all the planet host,
Deck, too, the deep cerulean ? — Think YE now
It only wakes for man? That all the sounds
Of Birds in wood, in valley, forest, glade.
The plain, the desert, and the mighty sea ;
On rock remote, on mountain where hath trod

(I) CortJtd, a bird of the Crow tribe. — (*) Sylvia lusciniaf
or the Nightingale.

8 PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

Never a human footstep, are for man

There utter'd — his high pleasure — man alone ?

O blind to Nature's harmony and truth —
Her grand sublimities that ever mock
The puerile attempts of labouring art.
The puny efforts of the creature man !
YE arrogant persuaders ! that to YOU,
Whatever be your Jiat, good or ill,
All, all must bend ?

But wherefore thus ? Go YE,
Peruse the book of Nature,— ample tome !
Which whoso runs may read, — which whoso reads.
If with sincerity and seeking truth,
Fails not to understand. There pleasures pure
Unfold in every page ; and there may YE
Learn wisdom's priceless lore : there too the true.
The beautiful abound, the elegant,
The graceful; curve and undulating line; —
Variety in all her thousand forms,
Teeming with active life.

Much may the Birds
Instruct you ; from the bright yet tiny elf.
The Trochilid, (') to that gigantic shape

(0 Trochilid, a bird of the Humming-bird tribe.

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY. »

Which soars with sweeping pennon, and proclaims
Himself of Andes lord.(^) But chief seek YE,
If pleasure and sweet sounds be your delight,
The tribes to song devoted, when the Spring
Walks forth in all his splendour, and his woods —
His fields, perfum'd by smiling Florals hand.
With strains resound, at once both wild and sweet.
Numerous and various too !

Go listen now
To many a Fringillid,{^) — the Linnet (^) sweet,
Or warbling Redpole ;(^) while the Goldfinch, (^) he
Whose plumage with the tropic warbler's vies,
Whose note — exultant cheerfulness itself,
Whose downy dome rivals a Trochihd's
In beauty, may be heard beneath the elm's
Pale umbrage.

Lo ! the mimic melodist
The Black-cap(^), from some tangled sloe bush trills
His varying song ; now as some Merulid's-'
Now as Luscinian Sylviad's (^), aloud

(») Vidiur gryphus, or Condor, the largest of the birds of
flight.— (^) Fringillid, a bird of the Finch tribe. — (3) Frin-
gilla linota. — {^) Fringilla cnnnabimi.—(^) Fringilla carduelis. —
(6) Si/lvia atricapitla. — (7) Sylvia I usciniu, or Nightingale.

A 3

10 PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

His note, and now, in strain original.
Excites the woods to listen.

Go YE thence,
At solemn midnight when the woods are still —
When Zephyr deigns to sleep, and not a sound
Is heard, save distant watch dog's, or that bird
Of Strigid (*) group, dire, ominous once deem'd,
In her dark ivied ruin, hooting hoarse,
What time the radiant moon rides o'er the earth
In glory, and the stars look through fair clouds
Of fleecy silver, while they slowly glide
Across the deep blue concave; — go YE then
To some dark copse, or distant quiet glade,
And listen to that loud melodious strain
Of warbling music which along the void
Of night is borne, and to the astonish'd ear,
Perchance with echo aiding, such delight
Pours, as hath ne'er by aught of mortal mould
Elsewhere been felt ; and say YE, if ye can.
That he, of all the sylviads of the grove,
The Nightingale^ for man attunes his song —
For only man! — That modest bird who shrinks
From the broad glare of day, in umbrage hides
Himself, and, rarely seen, beside her nest

(') Strigid group, birds of the Owl tribe.

PLEASURES OF 0R:N^ITH0L0GY. H

Delighted sings to cheer her lonely hours —
Who broods, or watches o'er her infant throng.

Or, if in garish day YE more delight,
Go seek the meadow where the bee wild roves,
And flowers of many hues aroma shed ;
There shall the Lark (*) rise from his humble nest,
And soaring greet, with many a sprightly strain.
The noontide; still his peans to the day.
Ascending out of human sight, he sings
Well pleas'd.

But if the morning be your choice,
Seek YE the morningtide for Songs of Birds, —
The early morn, soon as the sun ascends
His radiant chariot, — who may count the notes
Heard in the spring-time from the warbler throng ?

Lo ! how the Merulids rejoice ! The Thrush (*)
Beneath a shady bower, with ivy twin'd,
Amidst the elm sings cheerily ; the while
Upon her nest, within of stucco wrought.
Or ligneous plaster, of a bufFy hue,
With eggs black spotted and cerulean ground,
Listens his speckled dame, whO; light of heart,

(9 Plaudit arvensis^ or Sky-/-ark — (^) Turdus musicns.

12 PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

A warble too sends forth. Nor silent sits
The Black-bird^ J in the spring ; he, o'er the rill,
Amidst some bush of thorny texture wove.
Remote from prying eyes, from hands profane,
Pours out his happiness in tuneful song.

The Bulfinch^ too, whose velvet, jetty plume?,
In contrast set with flamy red intense
And modest grey, a beauteous bird bespeak.
His many mimic notes sends o'er the dell.
Exciting admiration. To the plum's
Big floral buds — a promised boon of fruit —
An enemy destructive, lo ! he comes.
Despite of caution and the gardener's care.

Nor are the Sj/lviads silent : their sweet notes
All possible variety ] from tones
That deeply move the soul, to wildest airs
Which imitative art at once defy.

^*) Turdus merula. — (^j Loxia pynhula. This bird is a very
excellent imitator of musical sounds. The author has lately seen
a very fine bulfinch, whicli has been long an inmate of a fashion-
able family at the west end of the town; it is their travelling
companion, and appears to untfer no inconvenience by the tran-
sition from town to the country, or vice versd. Besides its
powers of sonir, which are good, it has some singular predi-
lections and dislikes. To a gentleman, a visitor and occasional

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY. 13

The Red-breast (0 now, perennial warbler sweet !
To mossy bank, to garden, and to grove.
To wood, to man — a welcome visitant,
Invokes the spring in loud and cheerful note.
Nor is the Wren{^) amid the throng unheard :
That tiny Sylviad, who a curious dome
Fashions with verdant moss, and entrance round
Of nicest intertexture ; and it deems
Secure amidst an ivied canopy ;
Or else, beneath some cottage eaves attached,
Presuming the protective power of man.

Go now to yonder wall of sombre green,
For birds meet shelter — ever-verdant box.

inmate of the family, he is peculiarly attentive and gracious,
evincing his fondness by gently pecking his face and playing
with ills hair; towards the same gentleman*s lady he evinces
very decided signs of displeasure at her approach, by raising his
feathers, and otherwise expressing his uneasiness.

Although it has been conjectured that this bird, in attacking
the blossom buds of the plum, seeks for worms, I have been
lately informed that there is good reason for believing it does
attack the buds themselves^ and not for the worms. This cir<;um-
stance deserves investigation.

(') Sylvia ruheaila, one of the few birds which sing in this
country at almost every season of the year. — (^) Sylvia troglo-
dytes»

14 PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

That to the breath of Zephyr undulates ;
And from rude blasts a kind protection yields
To many a tender flower, — the garden's pride.
In vest of humble brown, YE may behold
A gentle Sylviad cowering o'er her nest
Of simple neatness — eggs of fairest blue.
The while her mate, on yonder pensile bough.
His matin song preludes ; what need to name
The/fe£/5fe-*S>parrow,(^) bird well known and save by boy;
Rapacious, rarely touched by tyrant man?

But see ! a spoiler comes, without whose note
No spring would seem; nor would the maiden rove,
In May-time pleas'd, the solitary dell,
Without that well-known note, although with him
"Who all her soul commands, — associate power
Of Nature ! Yes, a note that with delight
The morning wakes, as from the lofty elm
The CuckooC) sends the monotone. Yet he,
Polygamous, ne*er knows what pleasures wait
On pure monogamy ; nor doth his slave
A domicile prepare her callow brood
To nurture, but, with occupancy rude,

( ') Sylvia modularis. — (^) Cuculus canorus.

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY. 15

The hedge-sparrow's peace invades, and leaves an eg^
To be by her protected. This were well
Did not destruction wait around her dome ;
Scarce stirs with life the stranger, ere he thrusts
Her offspring forth — their death concludes the scene !

From Sylviads, Alaudinas, pass YE now ;
From MerulidSf — the whole Insessori^) tribe,
To some important groups that freely range
The mountain, wood, the forest, or the plain ;
Whom Snowdon and the Alps, and Andes greet
As welcome lords of desolate domain ;
Whom sea, whom desert hears ; whom distant isle
Acknowledges companions ; where no voice,
Save of the winds, or ocean's angry roar,
Disturbs their dwelling, their secure abode :
The tall Grallator,{^) and the Raptor C) fierce;
Hence to domestic Rasors (*), that to man
Subjected and his rule, caprice, or sport,
Or better pleasure, their abundance yield.
Whether of eggs nutritious, or of food
Fibrous and firm ; — or proud Natators ('), they

(') Insessor tribe^ Perching Birds. — (^) Grallalor, a
Wading-Bird. — (^) Raptor, a Rapacious Bird.— -('*)/?«5«r*,
birds which obtain their food by scratching the ground. —
(5) Nalators, Swimming Birds.

16 PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

Who, buffeting the wave, on ocean sail,
Or, on the floods of Thames or Severn, glide.
Or more secluded waters, where they reign
Lords of the element, and sportive dive,
Or seek the finny tribe, aquatic worm.
The race A7iatidjC) too, whose snowy down.
Or plumage, proffers man serene repose.
Where no indulgent luxury abounds.
Will e*er attentive observation claim.
Nor less the active Rasors ; whether they
Before the grange or in the woodlands stalk
— A Phasianid ij") group of various hue, —
Obediently to many a chanticleer,
That wakes the morning with responding notes,
And bids stout labour from his homely couch
Rise e'er the sun gladdens the eastern hills.
The Tetrnonids, (^) too, prolific tribe.
Shall yield no mean excitement — *^ Giant Grouse^'\^)
The Partridge, {^) Ptarmigan^ (^) the Heath-cock, C')
QuaiL{*)

C) Race anatid, birds of the Duck tribe, including the
Goose, Swan, &c. — (*) Phasianid group^ birds of the Phea-
sant TRIBE, inchiding not only Pheasants, bnt also the com-
mon Cock and Hen. — (3) Tetraonids, birds of tiie Partridge,
Grouse, and Tinamou tribe. — C^) Tetrao urogallus^:r-C) '^^-
traoperdix. — {^) Tetrao Iagopus.—(J) Tetrao t€trix.—(^) Tetrao
coturnix.

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY. 17

What time Columbidsi^) buoyant o'er the fields,
Or urged by speed, as messengers, shall fly.

O YE who, in the smoky city, toil,
Denied the mountain's lofty height to tread,
Denied the breezes of the ocean shore,
Yet wisely seek occasional relief,
Or kind retirement from the eternal din — ' '

Collision of the crowd ; who to some dell
Where runs the rivulet, where warble birds.
Or, o*er the breezy hills of Hampstead hie.
To Sydenham's cool shades, or Wood of Penge,
The warblers' free domain ; how blest the change !
How renovating ! But, neglecting these,
The simplest, purest pleasures which abound
Amid fair Nature's fields, if YE adopt
Sport for your pleasure, — Sport with sentient life —
Sport with " the quivering fibre"— JSirc? or Beast —
Unhallowed ever will that pleasure be.
And calm reflection wound you with her sting.(*)

(') Columbids, birds of the Pigeon tribe.

(^) The sport of shooting at Pigeons, it is to be regretted,
a very favourite one in and around the metropolis, and generally,
the sport of shooting at Birds have been treated so much at
large in my Ornitkologia that there does not appear any ne-
cessity for saying more concerning them here.

18 PLEASURES OF ORKITIIOLOG Y.

Nor may we here forget that Cygnine C) group.
White as the fairest snow, and proud of port,
With neck of graceful arch ; domestic some,
Yet more in hyperborean climes abide,
Free as the air of heaven to wander wild,
And greet, though rarely, our south brumal sun.
Say YE aberrant, for YE have, perchance,
On marge of inland lake — the sea*s wild shore,
Sought out some guiltless victim and from tube.
Fraught with destruction, sent the thunder forth, —
Say, heard YE e'er a melancholy wail ;
Have not some plaintive notes assail'd your ear,
As out the life-blood flow*d — the plumage stain'd,
Which memory never, never may forget 1

And deem YE that the RapiorSy too, for waw,
Pursue their course mid paths of upper air —
From Alp to distant Alp or Andes soar —
Or stooping, snatch the all unconscious lamb, —
That to the eyrie Hannah Lamond's bairn (*)
Was borne to prove a mother's agony,
And triumph 1 — Else why urge your lofty claim ?

C) (Cygnine group, birds of the Swan tribe.

(^) See a finely wrought up story on this subject in Black-
wood's Magazine for October, 1826.

t»LEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY. 19

Now go YE to the groups migration sends
On errands o'er the earth ; for pleasure some,
But more important functions stimulate-
Chief Incubation, and the sequent care
To rear the tender offspring ; others rove
In quest of food, or of more genial skies ;
Some in wild troops arrive ; but more, in spring,
Alone come unobserv'd, until their songs
Proclaim their presence in the budding wood.
The Cuckoo,{^) Nightingale^ shall ever please
The messengers of May ; — while others lift
Their voices in the meadow or the dell,
Or on the mountain ; chief the Sylviad tribe :
The gentle Willow-wren{^) — the Petty-Chajpsji^^)
Whose note Luscinia's rival, and a crowd
Of WarblerSj whom go seek YE in the wood.
The Golden Galbule, (*) too, that Orioline,{^)

(^) It has been lately stated in the public papers that a Cuckoo
has been kept in a healthy state in a cage during the last winter
at Goring, near Worthing, and that in the spring of the present
year (1828) it ponred forth its well known note. The only in-
stance it is l5('Iieved of a Cuckoo having been kept throngh the
winter in this country.

(*) Sylcia trocJiilus. — (3) Sylvia hortensis, or Greater
Petty-chaps.— ('*) Oriolu galbula, or Golden Oriole;
(5) 0%^ioUne is, of course, a bird of the Oriole tribe.

20 PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

Bright in his elegance, amid our shades,

Occasionally wanders when the sun

Rides in his summer glory and invites

The birds to follow from the fervid south.

The swift Hirundinids (*) of twittering note,

Shall come to greet your dwellings, while the Raili^y

The Caprimulgid C^) with his humming wheel.

Shall aid to fill the group and crown the spring.

But now the hollow blasts of autumn rise ;
The sun no more his calorific ray
Intense pours o'er the fields, and night, cold night,
Transforms to frost-work crystalline the dew ;
Our summer guests of melody are gone ;
Others on wing to go ; of these the chief
Are Swallows who, a seeming conference
Or council hold, till on some favouring breeze
They upward soar, and southward wing their way.

As frown the brumal heralds, lo ! they come.
From hyperborean, Scandinavian climes,
A far more hardy and enduring race.
Surcharged their plumage with a mucous oif ;
Well cloath'd to cope with tempest and with sea,

C) Hirundinids^ birds of the Swallow tribe. — (^) Rallus
crex, — (3) Caprimulgus Eurapxus, or Goat-sucker.

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY. 21

On the ice-clifF they citadels erect ;(')

Now for support and shelter in the south

Come the Anatid, CygninCy Alcady{'^) groups ;

The Scolopacids (^) too ; — the Woodcock(*) — Snipe{') —

Innumerous more Grallators ; — Merulids{^)

Also retreat before benumbing frost

And strew our fields with life, what time the snow

A fleecy mantle drops upon the earth,

Till, winter pass'd, they flee again away,

Rejoicing in the summer of the north.

Still on your patience may the song intrude ?
Still will YE listen to the musing strain
Of one who would your better judgment aid.

(0 It is a singular, yet authenticated fact, that gome sea-birds
make icebergs their retreat iu tempestuous weather, sleep there,
4nd there too occasionally hatch their young !

{j^) A lead group, birds of the Auk tribe.— (3) ScoZopaciV*,
birds of the Snipe tribe.— (+) Scolopax rusticola. — (^)Scolopax
gallinagOj or Common Snipe.— (6) Merulids: as the Turdus
pilaris, or Fieldfare, and the Redwing, Turdus iliacus. This
last bird sings, it is said, in the breeding season, in Norway and
Sweden, equal to the Song-Thrush of this country ; indeed
a Friend, at Trowbridge, (J. N. C. esq.,) informs me that the
Redwing occasionally sings in this country before its departure
in the spring. See the end of the Poem,

22 PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOG 1*.

And win you with all kindness, as for those
Who cannot for themselves your court address —
A counsel he to plead their righteous cause ?
And, oh, were he more able !

Where is Bowles(^) —
The feeling and the tender, he who well,
On Cantian cliffs, to Matlock tunes his reed ;
Or, of the Captive in the narrow cell
** From life and light shut out," such thought excites
As prompts benevolence to active deeds ?
Where South ey ! Thou, who erst of freedom sang*st,
And with a dash of thy astounding plume,
Mad'st quail the proud oppressor ? — Where art Thou,
Moore of the Lyre melodious ? — Coleridge ! where?

(*) Mr. Bowles has been lately most praiseworthily engaged
in endeavouring to obtain the mitigation of a very severe sen-
fence passed on a female, for stealing from her master, a magis-
trate, some china of the value of a few shillings. She was tried
at the sessions at Marlborough and sentenced to two year's
imprisonment, one half of which she was to be in solitary con-
fiuement ! Such sentences as these, so far from being calculated
to amend the offender or prevent crime, tend only to excite
disgust at tlieir inhumanity, and pity for the sufferer. When
will men learn the best mode of correcting our moral aberra-
tions?

1

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY. 23

ThoUf who in mystic musings seek'st delight,
Or warblest for the ** wretched" such high song
As ever in the vallies of the earth
Shall echo ? — Hither haste, ye potent Bards !
Ye masters of the soul— of love, of truth,
Lest such an humble advocate should fail
How just soe'er the question !

Turn YE now
Where glows with fiercer ray the Tropic sun-
Where vegetation her profusion pours
From ample cornucopia, and invites
All animate creation to partake.
Nor slow the Birds to accept the proffer'd boon —
A rich repast of berries or of fruit —
From Palm or Pine, the Coco's laden arms —
Or Indian fig*, the glory of the East.
The sea too yields her store; and many an egg
Of Crocodile or Tortoise from the sand
Evolves the Vulturid (0 then holds his feast.

Here too in music the wild woods abound,
Despite of Caprimulgid's (*} grating note,

* Ficus Indicoy or Banyan-tree.

(') VuUuridj a bird of the Vulture tribe. — (*) CaprimuJgiJ,
a bird of the Goat-sucker tribe.

24 PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

Of Psittacid*s (') or Picid's scream what time,

The days of tempest o'er, adorn'd with smiles,

Flora and Ceres in their garlands dance,

Strewing their odours to the passing breeze.

Go listen to the throng; and chief to him

In plumage plain, the Mimic Merulid, (*)

He who hath all the Sylviads* songs by heart —

All notes melodious and all dissonance

Ever at ready beck, as he may list ;

Still, through the live long night, he sings his own,

Lively yet soothing, rapturous yet sweet.

Now hie YE to some quiet, sombre shade —
And if at eve, when sad the day hath been.
And rain descending bathes the earth with showers.
Most favourable time YE choose to hear
The Wood-Thrush Q) warble his melodious lay.

Nor cease the active Fringillids to greet
The woods, the dales, with music ; chief of these
Of graceful form and robes of citrine hue.
With intertexture elegant of grey,

(0 Psittacidf a bird of the Parrot tribe.-— (^) Tardus
pohjgloltus, or Mocking-bird.— (3) Turdus melodus.

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY. 25

The Bird to Afric (0, Islands Fortunate (^),
To that Atlantic Rock(^) indigenous,
Which proudly lifts its front amid the waves
The storm defying; on whose bosom rests
What once possessed a spirit that could stir
The nations with a breath, and, in career
Of haste, too oft with desolation arm 'd.
Swept as a whirlwind ; now he silent lies,
The terror once of Europe — of the World —
Whose life a lesson which the world should learn :
He unto whom both Emperors and Kings
Paid homage, now on that volcanic rock
The Victim of Ambition (*) silent lies,
Dissolving to his pristine elements;
While o'er his lonely grave the willows bend,
As if in sadness, and the sprightly song
Of vagrant bird is heard upon the spray.
Heedless a mighty conqueror rests below :
That bird a denizen of these warm climes,
Of song at once both loud and passing sweet ;
Whether his native notes your audience claim.
Or, by domestic education taught.
The Alaudinas and the Sylviad's voice
Mingles with strains melodious, wild, and new.

(0 Fringilla Canaria, or Canary bird (*) Tke Camry

Islands, so called.— (3) St. Helena.— (*) Napoleon Buona-
parte.

B

26 PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

Hence hie YE where the broad La Plata rolls
His giant tide ; or to the fertile banks
Of his huge tributaries — Paraguay,
Parana, where on Nature's ample board
Plenty pours rich oblations ; and the birds.
Of wood, of meadow, and of mountain, lords,
Riot in all the luxuries of song.
There listen to that sweet XanthorearisQ) strain.
Who, when in Northern climes beyond the reign
Of Cancer, finds abode, the accustomed song,
By time, not season, prompted, still he sings.
Greeting the winter with his warbling lay.

Many the Oriolinas (•) melodies ;
But chief the Niger ^ (') Nidipenduline, C^)
Your ear demand. Well too observe their domes
Wrought with consummate skill, and nicely attached.
Yet firmly, to some slight depending spray ;
Buoyant they wave to every breezp, secure
From wily serpent and the Simia tribe.

(0 Fringilla xanthorea. This bird is described by Prince
Charles Buonaparte, in the Journal of the Academy of Natu-
ral Sciences of Philadelphia, vol. iv., part 2. See also Orni-
THOLOGiA, page 253. — (*) OriolinaSf birds of the Oriole
TRIBE. — (^) Oriolus niger, or Black Oriole. — (*) Oriolus
nidipendulus, or Hangnest Oriole.

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY. 27

Their plumage too, of vivid tints behold —
Rich as some eastern monarch's flowing robe,
When he his princes meets in high Divan ;
Bright as the brilliants which adorn his brow.

Nor will the Tanagrinas' (0 social group
Their harmony neglect ; the Sylviads, too,
Exult in pride of plumage and of song :
The Babbler f(^^) restless mimic, others' notes
With noisiness attempts ; the PensiliSf (^)
Wrapt in a robe of beauty, tunes his reed
To delicate, perennial song, the while
Within her myrtle bower his cheerful mate
Responds in modest note ; or in her nest,
That wantons in the breeze, she smiling sits
Sipping the silent stream of deep delight.
Of WrenSf go listen to the group that rouse
Indifference from his trance ; — the Ruby-crown' d (♦)
Of various note ;— the Caroline (*) whose voice
Vies with the Nightingale's, whose nest globose
On reedy columns plac'd, a strange support,
Invites the eye of wonder oft to gaze.

Still further would YE of the warbler train
Your search pursue ? In far Columbian climes

C) TanagrinaSy birds of the Tanager tribe.— (•) Sylvia
curruca, or Babbling Warbler.— (3) Sylvia pensilis^ or Pen-
sile Warbler.— (*) Sylvia calendula, or Caroline Wren.

b2

28 PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

The Blue-bird (') that domestic Sylviad, he
Whom youth, whom age, whom infancy, respects.
Affords sincere delight what time the spring
He with his gentle melodies awakes.
And is there aught more soothing or more sweet
Than song of Bird upon some buoyant spray ?

Go YE of Art the various music seek, —
The organ pealing from the gothic dome —
The din of instruments, and many a voice
That trills, amidst some gorgeous theatre,
Italian airs of difficult command.
At midnight; or to City concert hie,
Where mingled are the sounds of trumpet, drum.
The viol, and the harp; and there partake.
If so YE may, of Pleasure's splendid feast ;
Whilst I, in daytime, eve, or early morn.
With one fair gentle spirit, will away
And hide me in some distant woodland dell.
Where gushing waters from the rock descend,
And listen to the songs of Nature's Birds ;
Or, at the midnight hour, with quiet steal,—
For midnight hath her charms where quiet dwells,-
And listen to the Nightingale, apart
From all the turmoil of the world ; or meet
Kind Contemplation in the starry vault.

(») Sylvia sialis.

PLEAIURES OF ORNITHOLOGY. 29

From music go YE, and contemplate now
The many-tinted robes intense and bright
That mock description in the various tribes;
Where colour vies with colour — red with green —
Crimson with black — the "purple with the blue —
Yellow with orange — dove with fairest whiter
Apart, or else, by intermixture nice,
A thousand shades producing such as ne'er
By art was pictur'd, or by fancy wrought :
What need to name the Peacock's (') splendid plumes,
The Pheasant's (^ ) green and gold ; the orange tints
Of Manakin ; (') the glossy black and green
Of Promerops (*) superb — the brilliant dyes
Which proudly Birds of Paradise (*) bedeck !

Behold the groups of Psittacids (*^) that climb
The palm, or on the coco*s branches swing,
As gay as garrulous ;— the PicidsC) too.
With ivory beak of elegance, yet strength
To pierce the hollow bole with echoing strokes
That through the forest ring, and thence obtain

(') Pavo cri8iatus.-—{'*-) PhasianuM Colchicus, or Common
Pheasant.— ('2) Pipra rupicolcy or Cock of the Rock. —
(*)Upupa superba, or Grand Promerops. — (^) Paradisea apoda,
ox Greater Bird of Paradise. — (^) Psiltacids, birds of
the Parrot tribe. — (7) PicidSj birds of the Woodpecker
tribe } the allusion in the text applies to Picus principalis, or
Ivory-billed Woodpecker.

30 PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

The insidious worm, scooping a nest secure
From numerous enemies.

The Trochilids, (')
Tenuirosires, (2) bright and on the wing
E'er humming shall awhile your care engross ; —
Their nests consummate neatness ; and their eggs
Tiny, rotund, and white without a stain ;
With delicacy mix*d, their plumage glows
In all the colours of the irid arch,
Combined in shadows of innumerous hues
Intense or faint, yet ever beautiful.

Again : think YE the aberrant Orioline, (^)
Whom have Columbia's sons the Cowpen (^) nam*d —
For Man becomes a vagrant, nor provides
Or house or home, nor knows domestic bliss ; —
From nest to nest of other birds she roves
Her eggs depositing, nor ever cares
One moment for them or her callow sons?

Thence, midst the Nectariniad (*) groups, go search
The spicy gardens of the gorgeous East —
In Hindoostan — beneath the tropic sun —
Or in those myriad isles that stud the seas,

(») Trochilids, or birds of the Humming-bird tribe. —
(2) TenuirostreSf birds with Slender Bills. — (3) Oriolus pe-
coris, the Cowpen Oriole, Cowpen, or Cow-bunting. —
(*) Nectariniad groups, birds of the Honey-eating tribe.

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY. 31

To whom broad Ganges ever tribute yields ; —
Go and behold the splendid Cinnyrids (*)
That flutter o'er the many-tinted flower
Its nectar stealing, while their wings they bathe
In odours exquisite, which to the breeze
They prodigally scatter as they rove.

Hence, inquisition midst the forest glades
Of dangerous AJrica shall yield delight,
If, with security, YE there might rove :
There pipe the Fringillids, there Sylviads sing —
Brightness their plumes, and melody their lays.
There, too, the Red Flamingo (*) on the marge
Of lake or river stalks, Grallator tall.
Whom superstition worships : there his note—
Guide to delicious Aorae2/(^) — wild bees* nest.
With high delight the roving savage hears.
The Ibis (*) too, the serpent's enemy,
O'er Egypt's Delta keeps a watchful eye
What time approach the Locusts. There abound
Herons and Cranes — huge some, and some minute :
The Egret Q), Adjutant {% and Demoiselle (^),

(0 CinnyridSj birds of the Cinnyris or Sun-bird tribe. —
(^) Phosnicopterus ruber, — (3) Cuculus indicator, or Honey-guide
Cuckoo. — {^) Tantalus ibis. — (5) Ardea garzeita, or little
Egret. — {^) Ardea gigantea, or Bone-taker, whose wings
expand almost fifteen feet.— ('') Ardea virgo, or Dancing-
crane.

32 PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

Whose attitudes much elegance display.
There too, indigenous, that Textor (') bird,
Who oft, in his captivity, hath wrought,
With chosen filaments, consummate skill,
Rich fabrics of unrivalled bombycine.

In fine, go search on Afric's thirsty sands,
That Struthionid{^) tall, of all earth's birds
The biggest, him whose fair and snowy plumes
Bedeck our brightest beauties ; thence seek YE, .
Of helmet pride, the Emeu of the East^ (3)
The Rhea of the West ;{^) or him{^) who roves
The wild Australian plain, and, fleet of foot.
Flies fast before the hunters ; all evince.
As o'er the earth they skim, yet scarcely touch.
Speed without flight — our admiration win.

(») Emheriza texlrix, or Weaver-bunting. The habits of
this bird are very little known ; more iuformation concerning
them is every way desirable ; its nest is, in all probability, a very
curious one. — (*) Struthionid, a bird of the Ostrich tribe.
The particular one here alluded to, the Struthio camelus, Black
or African Ostrich. — (3) Struthio casuarius, or Cassowary.
— (4) Struthio rhea, or American Ostrich. — (^) Struthio
Nov(E Hollandice^ or New Holland Cassowary. The Dodo,
Didus (Linn.), is arranged also under Struthio, which Dr.
Latham has made an order consisting of four genera, of which
the Dodo is one. But although there is no doubt that such
birds as Dodos have existed, (see Ornithol gia, page 383,) yet,
by the latest researi lies, (see Zoological Journal,) they are not
now to be found at the Mauritius, where they formerly in-
habited; nor have they been heard of elsewhere.

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY

33

From habit, manner, song, to structure pass
Of nicest adaption, what their wants,
Necessities, existence, may require.
Behold their beaks how multiform and long,
Or short, or bent, or straight, or narrow, broad :
Compress'd as some of Alcad group, in shape.
Rude likeness of a Razor, — Bucerids\C)
With ridge of horn protuberant and huge.
The Conirostres' {^) fitted well the shell
Of seeds to crush ; the Raptors' piercing hook
To hold or rend ; Grallafors' often long
To probe, to pierce, for many a hidden worm : —
The Anatids broad, indented i^Fissirosts Q)
With ample gape which, while upon the wing.
Its prey with ease ingulpbs. Some pointed, sharp
To wound the worm or pierce the mucous snail.
Tenuirosts\^) that draw from many a flower
The juice mellifluous with missile tongue.
Even Plaialeai^) with her rostral spoon — *

Ramphastosi^) hissing with his mask grotesque.
And Loxia curvirostra (J) will evince
That best adapted are the beaks for each.

From Head to Feet go YE.— What wonder still,
What wisdom ! The Insessors with long claws

(') JSwcerids, birds of the Horn-bill TRIBE. — (2) Conirostres,
birds with Conic Bills.— (3) Fissirosts, birds with notchkd or
GROOVED Bills.— C^; Tenuirosls, birds with Slkkder Bills. —
(5) Platalea, Spoon-bill ; particularly Platalea leuorodia.-^
(<5) RamphastoSyToncxii, — (7) Loxia carriros/ra, or Cross-bili,.

34 PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

That grasping, hold secure the topmast spray,

And to the passing breeze all buoyant dance ; —

The Grallatores (") who with cloven feet ,

And length of leg deep wade; or Raptors they,

Whose talons strong, incurv'd and piercing, hold

Whate'er they seize and to the eyrie bear ;

While by the Rasor*s well- adapted feet

Forth from his hiding place is drawn the worm.

As sail the Natafores {^) on the wave,

Their paddles membranous, lo ! how they ply

And speed along ; or; if Colymbid (^) race,

Dive with agility, and long beneath,

For pleasure or security remain.

Even flamy Phcenicopterus ('^) whose length

Of leg, of neck, seems disproportionate

To trunk so small, is still what he should be —

Well fashioned for his functions.

Hence go YE
Inspect their various Feathers form'd at once
For use and beauty — light and fitted well —
The pennon plumes to press the elastic air,
And on impel the buoyant bird ; to steer

(J) Grallatoresj Wading birds.— d) NatatoreSy Swimming
BIRDS. — C^; Colymbid race, birds of the Diver tribe.—
(^'^)Ph<Knicopterus ruber, or Red Flamingo.
1

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY. 35

The Rectrices; (0 the Tectrices (2) to shield ;
All harmonise together and display
Of elegance their undulating curves.

To osseous structure singular go thence :
I'he sternum^ (') with Carina (^) high and long
To hold the muscles of the active wing ;
Where medulla of mammals flows, in birds,
Is air ; while through the hollow trunk extend
Vessels which that elastic fluid hold
To raise, depress, at will, the buoyant whole.

The Gastric apparatus now invite
Your deep attention. First, the Ingluvies\^) note—
Primal recipient where each substance finds
Its proper pre-concoction ; next observe
The Proventriculus,(^) of many shapes

(I) Rectrices. The quill feathers of the tail, which serve as ;
rudder to direct the flight of the bird.— (2) Tectrices, The small
feathers which cover the bird, and of course protect it.—
(3) Sternum. The breast bone.— (*) Carina. The keel, or pro-
jection of the sternum, designed doubtless for the attachment
of powerful muscles in those birds which fly. The Ostrich, not
flying, has no carina in the sternum.— C) Ingluvies. The crop.
—(6) Proventriculus. The upper entrance to the gizzard in
birds ; it is of various shapes in different birds ; in it are nume-
rous glands which secrete a liquor that appears analogous to the
gastric juice of the mammalian tribes.

36

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

In different birds, to each adapted well,
Whose numerous glands a potent juice secrete
That pour'd into the Bulbous Ventricule {') —
Where many a pebble rolls to comminute
The hard, the grainy food, — concocts the chyle.
Pulmonic structure too your care demands :
In birds of race Colymhid small the lungs—
The liver large, so that the sanguine stream.
Without the intervention of the air,
Becomes decarbonis'd.(*)

Of Oviduct f
^^ -^99 the wondrous structure now peruse;
But chief the evolution of the Chick—
How with appendage horny (') he effects

(') The Gizzard y called by some Naturalists Ventrkulm
bulbosus, from its shape and structure, its sides consisting of
thick and strong muscles. In birds, however, whose food is
animal, this strong muscular structure of the stomach is less
conspicuous, or in great measure absent.

(•) This fact is a very remarkable one. Anatomists, how-
ever, begin to turn their attention to, and endeavour to ascer-
tain, the real functions of the liver, not only in birds, but also in
the mammalia / there seems much reason for presuming that the
liver performs one or more important offices besides that of
secreting the bile, which it is known to do ; one of the offices
is probably that of separating carbon from the blood.

(3) See Mr. Yarrell's Paper on this curious subject in the
second volume of the Zoological Journal; or my Ornilhologia^
page 63.

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY. 37

His curious perforations till, at length.
He bursts his walls calcareous and is free.
Nor pass YE o'er that nice Trachea (') forra'd
For sounds most exquisite. But wherefore dwell
On such confessed wonder and design ?

Once more. Go seek YE in their various Nests
Much pleasure and much wisdom. Who shall cope
With Birds in Architecture ? Not nice skill
Of man's most practis'd hand ; not all the lore
Of Sages. Who can form the Trochilid's (")
Soft dome with rim within ; — the Wrens (^) globose
Of mossy green ; — the tiny Titmouse s{*)
With plumes full fill'd ; the Sylviad sutor's, (5) he
Who first taught man, perchance, to ply, with art,
The useful needle ? Swallow's esculent C)

(•) 1 take the present opportunity of observing that Mr.
Yarrell, the gentleman mentioned in the preceding note, has
a cnrious collection of preserved specimens of tlje Trachea: of
birds as we\l as many other Ornithological curiosities, among
which, his specimens of Eggs are not the least important : the
whole an evidence of his extensive knowledge of the science
and of his zeal in its pursuit.

(2) A Hymm/wg* tird mentioned in Waterton's Wanderings in
South America. The scientific specific name not known. See
Oruithologia, page 81. — {^) Sylvia troglodytes. — (*) Parus cau-
daiuSf or Long-tailed Titmouse. — (S) Sylvia sutoriOf or Tai-
lor BIRD. — (6j Hirundo esculenta. The exterior of this bird's
nest appears to be and most probably is gelatine.

38 PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

The Orioli7ia''spenduline{^) who dares

To imitate. Of Magpie s{^) citadel,

Coarse, yet effective — of the muddy walls

Of Martins C) — the white, delicate, moss dome

Of Conirost (*) — the Gold/inch {^) — who presum es

His clumsy imitations to produce ?

Who may the chinking Chaffinch's (^) e'er shape ;

Or who a pattern of the nest shall bring

Of warbling ThrushfC^) of every glade and grove

A tenant ; who shall form the stuccoed walls ?

Inimitable these, and myriads more,

Which wonder oft beholds, and reason mute

Concludes design and wisdom in them all.

Thus, having caught of birds a rapid glance —
Their Songs, their Habits, Structure, and their Nests,
Of Pleasures contemplation here affords—
Now think YE that those Princes of the Air,
The warblers of the valley and the wood,
Only for Man created ; think YE they
Are HIS without conditions — for his sport —
His riot ^inhumanity '■^iho.t they

(') Oriolus nidipendulus and some others of the Oriole tribe. —
(a) Corvuspica, — {})Hirundo urbica,—(^)Conirost, a bird with a
conic hi\\.—OFringilla carduelis.—(^)The Chaffinch, FriMg-i/Za
cxlebs, is strikingly distinguished by its notes " chink, chink,"
which it often utters. — (7) Turdus musicusj or Song Thrush.

For a more minute account of the Nests of Birds, see Omi-
thologiUf passim, but chiefly the Introduction,

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY. 39

Have not a world of happiness their own —
Of Sympathies, of Hopes, of Pleasures, Fears,
Maugre man's intervention ; that for him
They skim the valley, sweep the wavy main.
Or on her bosom buoyantly preside ;
For hirrij and only Am, the Merulid
Awakes the morning with his song ; for him
The Corvid caws ; for him Luscinias voice,
At midnight heard in all its melody.
What time the amber clouds o'er ether sail,
And moon and stars, and all the planet train,
Bedeck the deep cerulean J Think YE now
It only wakes for Man ?— That all the sounds
Of birds in wood, in valley, forest, glade,
The plain, the desert, and the mighty sea,
On rock remote, on mountain where hath trod
Never a human footstep,— are for man
There utter'd, — his high pleasure — Man alone 1
Still blind to Nature's harmony and truth —
Her grand sublimities that ever mock
The puerile attempts of labouring Art —
The puny efforts of the creature man.
Still arrogant persuaders ! that to You,
Whatever be your fiat — good or ill.
They all must bend ?

Your patience yet awhile
I must invoke ; and oh, that I might win

40 PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

You unto wisdom — to her pleasant paths
Of quiet, peace ; and to that purer cause
Which Gentleness and Feeling advocate ;
To that Humanity which breathes aloud
One universal wish of happiness —
Of love for all creation animate —
To pleasure's pure and unpolluted stream.
Deep, noiseless, flowing, and for ever clear ;
Whose waters, whoso drinks, exhilarate
Without intoxication, and impart
Vigour to gentleness, to virtue strength :
Then should a voice be heard to ask, to pray,

Oh ! let no more, in sporty your footsteps haste
To death ; train YE no more sagacious dogs
To scent the couching covey, while you point
The fatal tube ; but, should imperious Want,
A tyrant ever, and will be obey'd.
Or rude annoyance e'er your peace invade,
Then only are you justified to ask —
Demand their sacrifice ; — oh ! let it be
Swift as the lightning's shaft, a struggle, sigh,
And silence !

Cease thou Song of Pleasantness!
Be still my harp's vibrations ! Ye have told.
Guided by Truth and Nature's gentle hand-
By warm Benevolence o'er all supreme —

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY. 41

The minstrelsies of birds, their pleasures, fears ;

What, too, on fancy fell in earlier days —

What in mature, 'mid many lovely paths —

'Mid woodland scenes — 'mid meadows— amid birds.

O Reminiscences of youth ! Ye charm

The years of manhood, soothe the aches of age ;

Your pencil paints the pleasures of ihe past

In liveliest hues, while many a rueful pain

Ye darken o'er with shade; nor shall the Birds,

That rise again like shadows o'er the scene,

Yet vivid as the Spring — as spring-time fair.

Be e'er forgotten ; nor, Ye warbling train !

While live the woods, the mountains, and the vales, —

While spring shall smile, and summer breezes fan, —

Shall pleasures cease your melodies to fill ;

Nor, while with life his sanguine current beats.

Shall e'er your Minstrel cease to love your Songs.

What though much more of Birds remains unsung
Of interest and of pleasure ; yet a voice,
Whom now I may not dare to disobey,
Commands the song to cease. Thee, gentle Friend I
Harp of my lonely dwelling ! I resign.
Reluctant still to quit thy trembling strings.
Simple, in sooth, the humble instrument,
Shap'd in the cottage, far in moorland wild.
Where birds are free to warble and rejoice.

42 ' PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

Yet how delighted have I touch'd its strings
In solitude, a sweet companion ! YE,
Even YE, as through the wild and devious path
Or woodland glade I led you, when the sun
Rode high, or night her shadows threw around,
Have not, I trust, heard its wild tones in vain !

And though my moral lesson might not win
You from pursuits the muse must ever deem
Beneath your dignity — beneath your fame —
Pursuits that must detract from happiness
Even of yourselves, yet ever shall my thanks
For your kind audience flow ; and when apart,
From boisterous pleasure loos'd, YE lonely muse,
YE commune with your souls, perchance some

thoughts.
Excited by my humble lays, shall rise.
Expand and blossom, and produce their fruit.
O tend their growth with care, and spread abroad
The seed afar, o'er land, o'er distant sea.
Till thou. Benevolence! throughout the world
Art dominant.

One strain, one choral strain
To Thee, the Guide and Goddess of his song,
As Truth immortal, and as love benign ;
The solace of the lowly and the good—

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY. 43

The tamer of the fierce — of sympathy
The nurse ; to Thee his last, his closing strain
The minstrel offers. Hallow*d be thy name,
Thy footsteps, dwelling midst the Sons of Men !
What though the winds shall whistle o'er the sod
Where sleeps the bard ; what though no sculptur'd

tomb
His name proclaim; what though perchance that wawf*
Shall perish on the earth ; yet shall the Thought,
Prompted by Thee, and Usefulness and Truth,
By highest aim — the Happiness of all —
For EVER live ; excite Earth's future sons
To soar beyond her trifles and her toys ;
The strife which tears, the wrath which wounds the soul ;
While Hope, prophetic of a Future Time —
When streams of Knowledge, from perennial springs.
Shall widely o'erflow and fructify the earth.
And plenteous harvests Happiness create —
Proclaims, Benevolence shall rule the World!

Approach Ye promis'd days ! be swift your steps.
To bring such everlasting blessings ! those which erst.
Have Prophets, and have Sages, too, foretold ;
When, like the Halcyon's (') brooding on the sea.
To peace and happiness shall all be soothed ;
When man no more against his brother man

(^) Alcedo is/>ida, or King-fisher. See Ormithologia >
page 171.

44 PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

Shall lift the axe of vengeance ; when nor clime
Nor creed shall sever ; nor ambition mock
That holy, moderate, essential toil
For nourishment, for health in due degree
To all apportioned ; when united mind —
One Family of Love — one will-^one wish
To be and to make happy, shall the earth,
Midst meet vicissitude, most pleasant change,
Pervade, encircle, as the ambient air.
Bland, universal, vital, and benign (').

(') The author cannot resist the temptation which half a
page offers him to observe, in conclusion, on this interesting
subject, that the possibility of all mankind living in mutual har-
mony is not perhaps so difficult, nor the period so remote in
which it may be accomplished as, to ordinary apprehension, it
usually appears. If it be possible to train not only cats and
tnicef but owls, hawks, pigeons, and many other birds, and an
et ccetera of other animated beings, to live together in mutual
harmony, without disturbing one another in their various en-
joyments; and, that it is possible, a large cage containing the
living evidences of such possibility is often to be seen on some
of the bridges of the metropolis, accompanied by the ingenious
owner and trainer of the animals; surely, if this be possible,
Man, the most intelligent of animated beings, may be ultimately
brought to perceive that his true interest, his best happiness,
lies in offices of benevolence and mutual goodwill— whatever
his clime, whatever his creed. The name of the owner of the
animals above mentioned is John Austin, and he resides
near the Coburg Theatre : he deserves honourable mention.

PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY. 45

THE REDWING'S SONG.

Turdui Iliacus. — Linnaeus.
Le cantique de mes soupirs. — J. Racii

A love there i», surpassing love,

It is of purest kind,
And lives — for ever lives — to time

It may not be confined.

'i'o cold diistrust — indifference cold
It never — never yields ; —

No wintry blasts can ever blight
The blossom in its fields.

Nor Fortune ! fickle as thou art,
Can thy severest frown

The ardours of that love abate —
A moment cast them down.

When want appears with poverty,
When hollow Friends forsake,

That love around its kindred heart
A closer twine will take.

46 PLEASURES OF ORNITHOLOGY.

When to the couch hath pale Disease
Her suffering victim led,

That love shall lend its ministry
And raise the drooping head.

When death shall threaten, or shall smite

That love shall ever stand
Eager to lessen, if it might.

His heaviness of hand.

Such love the lapse of years endures,

Intense becomes by age ;
As well the peasant suits as prince.

Philosopher or sage.

That love is thine, beloved one !

Affection's darling child;
And O may time yet realise

Thy warmest visions wild.

THE END.

J. and C. Adlard, Printers, Bartholomew Close

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