SECTION IV., 1901 [ 78 ] Trans. R.S. C, 
V.— The Avi-Fauna of the Province of Quebec. 
By Sir JAMES M. LEMOoINE, D.C.L. 
(Read May 22, 1901.) 
There are few more attractive branches of zoology than that treating 
of birds. 
One feels sorry to admit that it has been comparatively neglected 
for a time in the province of Quebec, as well as in the sister provinces. 
Even the sojourn at Quebec, in 1842, of the prince of American 
ornithologists, John James Audubon, exhibiting his splendid life-size 
plates of American birds, failed to awaken an echo, or draw attention 
to this beautiful study. 
Of late years, however, Canada has counted several able exponents of 
this science. 
The undersigned thinks himself justified in claiming to have been 
the first writer who published a French book on Canadian+birds, in 
1860, Les Oiseaux du Canada, a manual in two volumes, which, not- 
withstanding its shortcomings, met with considerable favour. _ 
In September, 1883, an event took place in New York which boded 
well for the cause of natural history all over the continent. I mean 
the foundation, by the leading ornithologists of the American Union, 
Canada included, of the association, the “ American Ornithologists 
Union,” whose researches through its accredited organ, The Auk, are 
now known and appreciated far beyond the limits of this continent. 
Such learned men as its founders, Allen, Coiies, Meriam, Ridgway, 
Brewster, Bendire and others, spoke authoritatively when they recorded 
their matured opinions on the avi-fauna of North America ; their 
influence was soon felt in Canada, stimulating students of our bird- 
world in the prosecution of their researches. 
From such sources, our Macllwraith, Chamberlain, Dionne, Wintle 
and other minor lights drew life and inspiration. Classification, 
nomenclature, oology were more deeply studied ; errors innumerable 
were exploded; old systems discussed; additions without number were 
made to the discoveries of Audubon, Wilson, Bonaparte, Baird, etc. 
It is with unfeigned hesitation [ now submit to the Royal Society 
the present result of my researches, hoping it may be the precursor of a 
more complete list of our birds. 
