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Animal Rights History Timeline » [1785-1837] Romantic Age » Priscilla Wakefield

Priscilla Wakefield

Juvenile Anecdotes: On Bird-Nesting

[1795] Priscilla Wakefield, "On Bird-Nesting," in Juvenile Anecdotes, Founded on Facts, Collected for the Amusement of Children, vol. 1 [First Edition: 1795] 2nd ed. (London, 1798; Google Books: Online Library of Free eBooks).

What must be the anguish of such a tender parent, when she returns from seeking a scanty morsel to satisfy the hunger of her darling nestlings, to find that she has been robbed of her treasure in her absence? Let every boy, before he goes birds-nesting, consider the curious structure of a bird's nest, and the tender affection of the fond mother; after this reflection would it be possible for him to persist in his design? Surely he would return, and persuade his companions to do likewise. Thoughtlessness and in advertency, not cruelty, are the causes that mislead many boys of good hearts and humane feelings to practice this barbarous amusement; for it deserves no milder name, to rob a poor defenseless bird of the fruit of so much labor and pains; were it not so sanctioned by custom and example, it would be thought both ungenerous and unmanly to plunder a harmless bird of its chief treasure, that is not able to resent the injury. The most noble natures are the most humane. Tender-hearted children, suffer not yourselves to be seduced by ill example, and the ridicule of bad companions to violate these nests, composed with so much art and care; rather take pleasure in observing the daily labours of the mother bird; and when she has completed her work, mark how closely she sits on her eggs, willingly resigning that liberty, of which she seemed so fond; how quick and cautious is her eye! turning upon every object, that moves around her; and when the little brood is hatched, watch the progress of their growth, and their advancement to maturity. This will afford you daily entertainment, and amply repay you for the want of a bird's nest; as it will supply you with pure pleasure, not purchased at the expense of another, or embittered with a mixture of repentance. (121-2)