IV INTRODUCTION. 



All of Part First is original. In preparing objects of 

 natural history I have in a great degree invented methods 

 of my own, and have not given in this work a single 

 one that I have not tested and proved equal to all oth- 

 ers, if not superior. To avoid confusion, I have given 

 only the method which experience has taught me to be 

 the best. 



In this connection my thanks are due to Mr. E. L. 

 Weeks, whose excellent illustrations will be found to add 

 greatly to the value of the work. 



In Part Second I have thought proper to add a cata- 

 logue of the birds of Eastern Massachusetts, with notes, 

 as tending to enable the collector to obtain the rarer spe- 

 cies more readily, by specifying the localities and peculiar 

 haunts in which they have been found by others. The 

 critical notes may, perhaps, be perused with interest by 

 the more experienced ornithologist. 



