The Birds, a widespread clan of the upper middle class, almost defy tabulation into branches and families: their genealogists are so embarrassed by the results of constant intermarriage, amongst cousins of far and near degree, that the most valiant efforts are marred by confusion and blunders. It must suffice, therefore, to supply some simple details of Mrs. Bishop's immediate descent and relationships. These relationships have so direct a bearing upon her own great inheritance of character—mental, moral, and spiritual—that we may be pardoned for making a short digression into the maze of collateral families doubly and trebly allied to each other.

Of the clan generally little need be told, except its descent from William Bird, who lived in the latter part of the seventeenth and the early part of the eighteenth century. He died in 1731, bequeathing Barton, in Warwickshire, to his eldest son, Thomas Bird. His second son, John, was for a time in London, where he became an alderman, and, after marrying Judith Wilberforce, retired to Kenilworth, where he died and was buried in 1772. His wife, who survived him many years, was in due time laid by his side.

Of these Kenilworth Birds, two daughters, Hannah and Lucy, especially claim our attention.