PREFACE. 
Want of space precludes, either in the text or 
preface of this little work, the proper acknowledg- 
ment of the specific sources from which many of the 
facts and conclusions have been drawn. The obliga- 
tions are confessed, however, and the result is just the 
author’s presentation of bits of his own experience 
and deduction, along with much that is well known 
to all modern ornithologists. 
The little book, therefore, has its limitations, and 
does not pretend to tell the whoie story of the birds, 
even if could be told. Its aim is simply to present in 
a rather unusual yet popular way the more striking 
scientific features of their probable development. 
From this standpoint the predominance of the 
anthropomorphic element in the discussions may be 
criticised, but the author is assured from his experi- 
ence as a lecturer before the students of all grades 
from grammar schools to universities, and even before 
popular audiences, that this is the best form for pro- 
voking interest. 
If it be thought that too much effort has been ex- 
pended in trying to account for so many facts, it may 
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