X1V THE STORY OF THE BIRDS. 
be replied that a phenomenon to-day is of little use, 
or at least has little significance, till it is classified or 
placed under some theory or hypothesis. If the hy- 
potheses advanced here should not always meet the 
critic’s approval, or seem not always to be wholly jus- 
tified from every point of view, they are still better 
than no setting whatever. There is more stimulation 
to thought, more assistance to memory, more rousing 
of attention in an imperfect or even an incorrect hy- 
pothesis than in none at all. 
In interesting rather than instructing, in guiding 
the observation of the inexperienced into proper 
channels, in suggesting slightly to the student what 
to look for among the birds, and what to do with a 
fact when found, the author hopes that this little 
volume may find a mission. 
Bo el 8 
Mexico, Mo., September, 1896. 
