INTRODUCTORY. 



This pamphlet is the suggestion of many of the prom- 

 inent ornithologists and collectors of the United States, 

 and does not pretend to occupy any field whatever, in 

 any branch of study ; it is simply an abridged list of the 

 many persons who pursue ornithology and oology as 

 I'ecreative science. Considerable time has been expend- 

 ed in obtaining the names and addresses presented, but 

 nevertheless, it will be seen that there is much room for 

 addition and correction. The character of the entire 

 compend is such, that it is impossible, under ordinary 

 circumstances, to present a compilation of even accept- 

 able conciseness. Many of our most studious naturalists 

 occupy isojated localities, and are seldom seen or heard 

 from ; this is one reason of the notable imperfection in 

 the list of southern collectors ; the information is so mea- 

 ger, that anything but favorable deductions can be made. 

 As far as obtainable, the number of species represented 

 in public and private collections, with the valuations of 

 the same, have been given, as it is believed that benefit 

 may be derived therefrom, and geographical compari- 

 sons be made. 



Many omissions have been made on account of imper- 

 fect address ; in other words, many names without any 

 address at all, and withoufmeans of their being obtain- 

 ed. A notable example of this, is the Canada depart- 

 ment. The entire list of North American ornithologists, 

 per the Directory, numbers about three-hundred forty, 

 which, it will be observed by a comparison with the es- 



