happy skill in seizing upon such flistinntions as ave alone significant. * * * Tlie 

 geographical distiibiition of each species is generally fully indicated, and occa- 

 sionally are added terse characterizations of their habits. * * * One of the 

 most important fenturps of this portion of the work, and one almost for the first 

 time introduced into a general work on ornithology, is the critical discrimination 

 made between t^pccies, and varieties or geographical races. Recent advances in 

 the science have made tliese discriminations indispensable, and thro ghout the 

 work they are rigidly and judiciously introduced. * * * The volume closes 

 with a synopsis of all the fossil birds as yet discovered in North America, * * • 

 being the only general exposition of this department of American ornithology 

 that has yet been made."— Aihintic Atonthly. 



"Its autlior, Dr. Elliott Cones, is one of the most prominent writers on orni- 

 thology in this country, and in this volimie gives tlie public a thorough and reliable 

 treatise comprehending tlie entire subject, and so prepared that wliile it interests 

 the tyro it also supplies the wants of tlie most advanced scientist.'' — American 

 Sportsman, Nov. 22, 1873. 



•' This book will be welcomed both by the amateur and the professional orni- 

 thologist as a valuable contribution to the list of books treating of North American 

 Birds. While Dr. Coues has modestly called his work a ' Key,' it is in reality much 

 more than the title indicates. * * * The book will doubtless serve as a manual 

 to many who liiul their recreation in observing and studying the habits of birds, 

 and have not tlie means to purcliase more costly works. * * * The typographi- 

 cal execution of the work is in every way worthy of it, and the cuts are very clear 

 and instructive." — The Nation, April, 1873. 



" It is what it purports to be, an exponent of the present etatc of American orni- 

 thology, and a perfectly reliable guide to tlie study of our birds. It is especially 

 adapted to the use of students and amateurs, and is, in fact, the only text book or 

 manual of ornithology arranged with a view to educational purposes. The 

 author's high reputation as a naturalist, and his well known devotion to the de- 

 partment in question, guarantee the thoroughlj- scientific character of the work. 

 While ranking with the best standard authorities in accuracy and completeness, 

 this treatise presents the science of ornithology in the most attractive form, its ob- 

 ject being to teach, to clear away tlie diCQculties and explain the technicalities of 

 the science. * * * Profusely and beautifully illustrated by the author's own 

 hand." — Portsmouth Journal, April 26, 1873. 



" In tlie present work we have the crowning result of the study of North Ameri- 

 can Birds, upon wliich Dr. Coues has been engaged during many years past; for, 

 although still a young man, h« has long been known as one of tlie most industrious 

 of American naturalists. * * * Appears to represent his latest views upon 

 m.atters of sj'nonym}^ of zoological relationship, of geographical distribution, etc. 



* * * Perhaps the most original feature in the book is the artificial Key to the 

 genera of North American Birds. * * * We have gone more into detail in our 

 notice of this work than is our custom, from our impression of its scientific and 

 liractical value, and we can cheerfully recommend it to those who wish a reliable 

 manual of the birds of North America, in a sufficiently portable form for ready 

 reference."^ — The huUpencUnt, March 13, 1873. 



"This work, to wliich the author has brought the accumulated experience of 

 years of ornitliological study and the advantages of a thoroughly cultivated mind, 

 is what it claims to be. * * * With the help of tliis 'Key' the veriest tyro can, 

 with very little trouble, identify his specimens, and obtain a knowledge and under- 

 standing of American birds impossible to be found in any other work. • * * 

 Such a book has been long wanted, and, as it has been practically tried and found 

 of great service, it is earnestly recommended to otXicvs.''''— Army and Navy Journal, 

 March I.'), 1873. 



" Dr. Elliott Coues, one of the most distinguished of our younger naturalists, 



