hat can we call the principle which directs every different kind of
bird to observe a particular plan in the structure of the nest, and
directs all of the same species to work after the same model! It cannot
be _imitation_; for though you hatch a crow under a hen, and never let
it see any of the works of its own kind, the nest it makes shall be the
same to the laying of a stick, with all the other nests of the same
species. It cannot be _reason_; for were animals endued with it to as
great a degree as man, their buildings would be as different as ours,
according to the different conveniences that they would propose to
themselves.

5. Is it not remarkable, that the same temper of weather, which raises
this general warmth in animals, should cover the trees with leaves, and
the fields with grass, for their security and concealment, and produce
such infinite swarms of insects for the support and sustenance of their
respective broods?

Is it not wonderful that the love of the parent should be so violent
while it lasts, and that it should last no longer than is necessary for
the preservation of the young?

6. With what caution does the hen provide herself a nest in places
unfrequented, and free from noise and disturbances? When she has laid
her eggs in such a manner that she can cover them, what care does she
take in turning them frequently, that all parts may partake of the vital
warmth? When she leaves them, to provide for her necessary sustenance,
how punctually does she return before they have time to cool, and become
incapable of producing an animal? In the summer, you see her giving
herself greater freedoms, and quitting her care for above two hours
together; but, in winter, when the rigour of the season would chill the
principles of life, and destroy the young one, she grows more assiduous
in her attendance, and stays away but half the time.

7. When the birth approaches, with how much nicety and attention does
she help the chick to break its prison? Not to take notice of her
covering it from the injuries of the weather, providing it proper
nourishment, and teaching it to help itself; nor to mention her
forsaking the nest, if after the usual time of reckoning the young one
does not make its appearance. A chymical operation could not be followed
with greater art or diligence, than is seen in the hatching of a chick;
though there are many more birds that show an infinitely greater
sagacity in all the fore mentioned p