very long, it is furnished with a large bag, which it contracts or lets
loose at pleasure, to answer the necessities or conveniences of life. The
summer duck is a well known and beautiful creature, and has got this name
to distinguish it from others of the same species, which continue not in
the country during the summer months, but search for a cooler retreat.
The mockbird of Carolina is a fine bold creature, which mimics the
various voices of the forest, both in captivity and in the enjoyment of
natural freedom. The red bird is exceedingly beautiful, and has a soft
melodious note, but with few variations. The humming bird is remarkable
for its small size, flies from flower to flower like a bee, and is
sometimes caught by children while lying buried in a large flower it is
sucking out the juice. Its nest is very curious, and discovers amazing
art and contrivance. These are some of the feathered inhabitants of this
forest, among which there is little melody, and, were it otherways, the
music would all be lost, by the continual croaking of frogs, which swarm
in millions over the flat country.

[Sidenote] Of its snakes and vipers.

While ranging over the natural field, there is no reptile merits more
particular notice than the rattle-snake, which is one of the most
formidable living creatures in the whole universe. Providence hath kindly
furnished him with a tail which makes a rattling noise, and no doubt was
intended to warn every other creature of the danger of approaching nigh
him. He indeed possesses that noble fortitude, which is harmless unless
when provoked and molested. He is never the aggressor, and seems averse
from making use of his weapons of destruction. He flies from man; but
when pursued, and he finds he cannot escape, he instantly gathers himself
into a coil, and prepares for self-defence. He has a sharp and sparkling
eye, and quickly spies any person approaching towards him, and winds his