The Quail is a small bird, and very pleasant to eat. The Israelites were tired of the manna which God sent them for food, and desired flesh without remembering that he knew what was best for them. But though their request was granted, we read that the wrath of the Lord was kindled against them, and he smote them with a great plague, so that many died. When you pray for what you desire to have, always remember that God knows what is better for you than you do yourself, and intreat him not to give it, unless it is right for you to have it.
The Parrot is a chattering bird; it can say many words, but cannot at all understand the meaning of what it says. I have often seen Parrots without feathers that talked a great deal of nonsense, I dare say you know that I mean little boys and girls. We read that “in all labor there is profit, but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” People that talk a great deal are not wise. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin.
The Stork is called in the Bible, by a name which also means pity or mercy. It is supposed to be so called, because it is said never to forsake its parents, but to feed them and take care of them as long as they live. I hope you will not forget this. The fifth commandment is this, “Honour thy father and mother that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” Undutiful children are not happy when they grow up.