Catherine Ann Turner Dorset

“ A sea bird, of which there are several species numerously spread over the northern world; from whence they come towards winter to the British shores and remain till they have reared their young: it is sometimes called the foolish Guillemot from his stupidity; for when their companions are shot one after another, they have so little sense of danger, that they make a small circuit, and then return and settle in the same place, to share the same fate. ”

“ A native of America, where it builds in the hollows of trees, and sits at the entrance, ready to peck at the monkeys, who often endeavour to destroy and eat the young. It is about the size of a Magpye, but the head large in proportion, to enable it to support its immense bill, which is six inches and a half in length, but extremely thin. It is a mild inoffensive bird, and easily tamed, but cannot endure the cold of our climate; the feathers of the breast are highly esteemed by the natives. ”

“ The white grons, or white game, inhabits the Highlands of Scotland and the Western Islands; it prefers the coldest situations on the highest mountains, where it burrows under the snow. It changes its feathers twice in the year, and about the end of February puts on its summer dress of dusky brown, ash, and orange-coloured feathers; which it loses in winter for a plumage perfectly white, except a black line between the bill and the eye. The legs and toes are warmly clothed with a thick long coat of soft white feathers. ”

“ A bird of the Crane kind, but web-footed, whose plumage is of a bright scarlet; when standing erect, it measures above six feet, though its body is not larger than that of a goose, and is a native of Africa, Persia, and South America. ”

“ A machine used in poultry-yards, under which it is usual to confine the mother bird with the young brood, till it has acquired strength to follow her. The word is derived from the Saxon, Hrip, meaning a covering, or protection, for the young. ”

“ Is a species of bunting, a native of Angola and other parts of Africa. And is remarkable for the feathers of its tail. The two middle ones are about four inches long, and ending in a long thread, the two next are thirteen inches in length, broad and narrowing towards the points, from these proceed another long thread. ”