PREFACE. xxiu 



tlie close of the migrating season than earlier. Hence the 

 presence here of a few individuals in summer of species that 

 usually go farther north is not always sufficient evidence that 

 the species breeds with us." ^^ 



Good illustrations are of great assistance to young students, 

 teaching them, better than words, characteristic details of 

 structure, and the general differences of appearance in the 

 birds of various families or groups. The illustrations of this 

 volume are woodcuts in outline, the only satisfactory form, 

 not greatly increasing its cost, of which the author has be- 

 thought himself. He has drawn most of the figures from na- 

 ture — he hopes with accuracy, though, since the scales vary, 

 and (when fractional) are only approximate, they do not sat- 

 isfactorily represent the relative size of the birds figured.^^ 

 The outlines of the Chickadee, Night " Hawk," and Golden- 

 winged Woodpecker, have been copied from Wilson's pictures ; 

 those of the Winter Wren were suggested by a picture in Dr. 

 Coues's "Key to North American Birds." The details of 

 structure have all been drawn from nature by the author, 

 though several hints have been taken from the latter volume. 

 The outlines of birds very well known, or nearly related to 

 others figured, have been omitted. It may be here remarked 

 that in the figure of the Traill's Flycatcher the tail is broader 

 and more rounded than is observable in the living bird when 

 at rest. In some other figures, the notch of the bill is in- 

 distinct. 



This volume contains several facts never before published, 

 so far as the author knows, except a few, which have appeared 

 in magazines and pamphlets. It also possesses new features 

 which wiU, it is hoped, facilitate the acquisition of a thorough 

 knowledge of our birds, though it contains no more scientific 

 details than necessary. The classification, with slight changes 

 in sequence, is that used by Professor Baird and Dr. Coues. 

 The introduction (which is divided into sections, marked by 



^2 Several passages or sentences have, ^^ These have not heen drawn so as 

 for convenience, been omitted in this to exhibit the longest primary, spurious 

 extract. feathers, scutellce, or the like, imless in 



the plate. 



