Part 41

Footnote 47:

See note V, appendix.

Footnote 48:

I remember no bird that seems to suffer so frequently from the peculiar construction of its nest, and by reason of our common observance of its sufferings obtains more of our pity, than the house- marten. The rook will at times have its nest torn from its airy site, or have its eggs shaken from it by the gales of spring; but the poor marten, which places its earthy shed beneath the eave of the barn, the roof of the house, or in the corner of the window, is more generally injured. July and August are the months in which these birds usually bring out their young; but one rainy day at this period, attended with wind, will often moisten the earth that composes the nest; the cement then fails, and all the unfledged young ones are dashed upon the ground; and there are some places to which these poor birds are unfortunately partial, though their nests are annually washed down. The projecting thatch of the old farm-house appears to be their safest asylum. The parent birds at times seem aware of the misfortune that awaits them; as, before the calamity is completed, we may observe them with great anxiety hovering about their nests.

Footnote 49:

Petrels have been carried, by a storm, as far inland as the interior of Pennsylvania.—ED.

Footnote 50:

See note W, appendix.

Footnote 51:

I know not any definition of what we term “animal instinct” more comprehensive and accordant with truth than the following, given in the Elements of Etymology by Messrs. Kirby and Spence. “Without pretending to give a logical definition of it, (instinct,) which, while we are ignorant of the essence of reason, is impossible, we may call the instincts of animals those unknown faculties implanted in their constitutions by the Creator, by which, independent of instruction, observation, or experience, and without a knowledge of the end in view, they are impelled to the performance of certain actions tending to the well-being of the individual, and preservation of the species.”

Footnote 52:

See note W, appendix.

Footnote 53:

See note X, appendix.

Footnote 54:

The crow in the spring, when food is difficult of attainment, will kill young pigeons; and the magpie having young ones, captures the new hatches of our domestic poultry: but these are cases of necessity rather than habit. The raven has a decided inclination for the eyes of creatures, and finding lambs in a weak state, immediately plucks them out, and when the animal is recently dead, commences his depredations upon these parts.

Footnote 55:

Substance of a paper read before the Royal Society, Nov. 27, 1824. See Zoological Magazine, vol. i.

Footnote 56:

See note Y, appendix.

Footnote 57:

See note Z, appendix.

Footnote 58:

See note AA, appendix.

Footnote 59:

The Night-Hawk.

Footnote 60:

See note BB, appendix.