PREFACE. V 



having rashly ventured upon an undertaking for which I am 

 not qualified. 



In an Introductory Discourse I have endeavoured briefly to 

 explain my views as to classification and nomenclature. Some 

 remarks are then made on the Structure of Birds ; and, for the 

 benefit chiefly of the student, but also for that of those ornitho- 

 logists who openly profess to disregard internal structure, the 

 osseous, muscular, digestive, and dermal systems are partially 

 described. An outline is next given of two modern systems 

 of classification, followed by an announcement of the manner 

 which I intend to follow in this work. For the purpose of 

 introducing the reader to the objects of our common study, I 

 have further conceived it meet that he should accompany me 

 in idea into the fields, the objects seen in which suggest ob- 

 servations relative to the details of what may be called Prac- 

 tical Ornithology. This expedient, which is resumed at 

 intervals, affords an opportunity of conveying information on 

 subjects that cannot with propriety be treated of in connection 

 vs^ith the regular descriptions. 



It is unnecessary to present a catalogue of books that have 

 been consulted, as they are all repeatedly referred to in the 

 course of the descriptions ; but it may be proper here to men- 

 tion the names of those individuals who have afforded me aid 

 in my researches. 



To Professor Jameson I am indebted for permission to ex- 

 amine the birds in the museum of the University of Edinburgh. 

 Mr. Macduff Carfrae, preserver of animals to that institution, 

 has most obligingly procured for me numerous recent birds, 

 bodies, and skins ; as have Messrs. Fenton and Edmondston, 

 bird-stuffers, Edinburgh. Of the individuals who have sent 

 me recent birds, those to whom I am more especially indebted 

 are : — Sir Thomas G. Carmichael, Bart, of Skirling; Dr. Th. J. 

 Aitkin, Edinburgh ; the Rev. Mr. George Gordon, Morayshire ; 

 the Rev. Mr. Adam, Peebles ; William Stables, Esq., Nairn- 

 shire ; Mr. Falconar of Carlowrie, Linlithgowshire ; Captain 

 Graham, Stirlingshire ; Dr. IMacdonald of Ballysher, Argyle- 

 shire ; William Craigie, Esq., Aberdeenshire ; Andrew Mur- 

 ray, Esq., advocate, Aberdeen ; and Mr. Alexander Campbell, 



