PREFACE. 



In preparing this little work for publication, I have 

 been influenced by the following motives. Although, 

 during a somewhat laborious life, I have found it ne- 

 cessary as well as pleasant, to direct my attention tem- 

 porarily to various branches of Natural History, I have 

 for many years been more especially addicted to the 

 study of Ornithology ; and, having made numerous ob- 

 servations on birds, watched them in their haunts, and 

 examined a multitude of individuals, I have thought it 

 not unlikely that the communication of the results of 

 my labours might prove advantageous to those who may 

 not have paid equal attention to the subject. Secondly, 

 Having to depend entirely upon my own exertions for 

 the means of supporting my family and of prosecuting 

 my inquiries, I have judged it expedient to enable those 

 whom it may concern, to form some estimate of my 

 qualifications for advancing the science of Natural His- 

 tory. Lastly, a man is naturally fond of talking about 

 what is generally uppermost in his mind. The love of 



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