PHEFACE. 



In presenting this volume to the public, I would say that 

 my chief aim in its preparation has been to supply the great 

 demand for some work that might be accessible to all, both 

 in consequence of its moderate price and its plain, untecli- 

 nical language. 



The want of such a volume is keenly appreciated by our 

 students in this interesting branch of natural history ; and, 

 as all the editions of the valuable and popular works of 

 Wilson and Nuttall are out of print, it has long been 

 almost entirely unsupplied. 



I have been able, from my own observations, to correct 

 some important errors that have been published as to 

 the breeding habits of different species, and have added, 

 probably, a few new facts to our knowledge respecting 

 those of others ; but I must apologize for being obliged, in 

 a great many cases, to use the observations of others for 

 facts which I have had no opportunity of ascertaining 

 myself. 



I am greatly indebted to Professor Spencer F. Baird, of 

 Washington, for his generous permission to use the descrip- 

 tions of the birds given by him in the ninth volume of 



[iii] 



