tate human speech, and to learn melodious tunes. But, independently of the pleasure thence derived, they are farther of material service to the inhabitants of a country, more especially in hot climates, by destroying myriads of insects, and devouring carcasses; which would otherwise prove an intolerable nuisance. The occasional mischief and damage committed by some kinds of birds, on the fruits of fields and gardens, is amply counterbalanced by their extensive services in general. Hence, numerous species which furnish us, either with their palatable flesh and eggs, or with their useful feathers, have been gradually domesticated, so as to become the inmates of our habitations; and particularly those which recommend themselves, either by their beautiful plumage, or by the sweetness of their harmonious strains.
In order to afford a view of the principal kinds belonging to this interesting class of animals, we have been induced to present the reader with the following arrangement:
I. Domestic and Tame Birds:—Cock and Hen; Turkey; Goose; Duck; Swan; Pigeon; Peacock; Pheasant; Guinea-hen, &c.
II. Wild, useful Birds:—Bustard; Woodcock; Grouse; Heathcock; Partridge; Quail; Lark; Throstle; Ortolan; Starling, &c.
III. Singing Birds:—Nightingale; Hedge-sparrow; Red-breast; White and Yellow Wagtail; Wren; Gold-crested Wren; Canary-bird; Greater Red-pole; Chaffinch and Brambling; Goldfinch; Siskin; Fly-catcher; Bullfinch; Greenfinch; Titmouse; Swallow, &c.
IV. Marshy and Aquatic Birds:—Crane; Stork; Grey Heron; Bittern; Gull; King-fisher; Snipe; Lapwing; Water-hen, &c.
V. Birds of prey:—Eagle; Falcon; Owl; Butcher-bird; Raven; Crow; Jack-daw; Magpie; Nut-cracker; Garrulous Roller; Wood-pecker; Bee-eater; Haw-finch; Oriole or Cherry-bird; Sparrow, &c.
P.
PAINT.—In February 1799, a patent was granted to Mr. Joseph Tidmarsh, for his invention of a compound, which may be either substituted for paint, or be mixed with other pigments, for enlarging their quantity, or reducing their price. The patentee directs the following articles to be pulverized, namely; glass, burnt clay, the slag of glass, copper, iron, or other manufactories; marble, spar, flint, or similar vitrefiable or calcareous earths. The powders, thus obtained, may be employed as a paint with the liquids commonly used in mixing colours; or they may be immediately incorporated with any kind of paint.
M. Darcet has found, that the succeeding ingredients and proportions form an excellent white paint, that may be generally substituted for oil-paint, without producing
