INTRODUCTION. 
THIS volume really needs little by way of introduc- 
tion. No one can mistake the evident love for our 
feathered friends, the kindly assistance that has been 
given them, and the success of the authors in imparting 
to others much of that pleasure which they have un- 
doubtedly derived from their studies. 
The same recreation hes within the power of all who 
through inattention and thoughtlessness neglect the 
almost priceless relief from daily burdens afforded by 
such pursuits. Every one can learn something of the 
ways and doings of our little friends, even though he 
may never write a book or put a pen to paper concern- 
ing them. 
Knowledge thus acquired is not wasted; it elevates 
the mind and trains the senses, so that in after life the 
habits of observing and noting frequently become of 
ereat use, and are never a detriment. 
Our authors have set forth the wanton destruction of 
bird life consequent upon the use of feathers and parts 
of birds to ornament hats. They have in no way mis- 
stated: for tens of thousands of birds are annually 
ili 
