PEEFATOEY NOTE. 



Is OUR supervision relates to the species found in North America, we have 

 adopted the classification which has the approval of American Ornithologists, 

 that embraced by the Bulletin of the Smithsonian Institution, prepared by Mr. 

 Ridgway, and entitled : "Nomenclature of North American Birds." 



We would here return sincere thanks for the courtesy often in past years 

 extended to us by the honored Chief of the Smithsonian Institution, and especially now for 

 the privilege of presenting Mr. Ridgway' s valuable paper. 



The names of Audubon, Wilson, Nuttall, as well as of several ornithologists of the 

 present time, will appear frequently in our pages, as their works are for all time. The 

 descriptive text of Audubon and AVilson is classic to the lovers of Nature. 



Since these pioneers in American ornithology ranged the woodlands and sea shores of 

 North America, many birds have been added to our Avifauna. Without naming individ- 

 uals, we may express the opinion that some of the later literature touching newly dis- 

 covered birds on the Western plains and mountains quite equals the charming productions 



that have given those early writers such prominence. 



J. B. H. 



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