iv PREFACE 
familiar with these, he will be able to identify 
and study the more rare species. 
It may be thought that I have not dwelt suf- 
ficiently on the generally assumed evil tendencies 
of certain birds. I have tried to be perfectly 
just, but there has been so much exaggeration 
and sensationalism in writing of birds, that | 
have been careful to investigate all accusations. 
Much harm has been done by guessing at a bird’s 
motives, and assuming always that he is in mis- 
chief. I have rejected all conjectures of the 
sort, and accepted only what has been thoroughly 
proved, and reported by trustworthy witnesses. 
I retain the old arrangement of the families 
because that brings the more familiar and inter- 
esting birds first, and my aim is, first to interest, 
and then to instruct. 
The scientific names of Families and Species 
as given in the Table of Contents are according 
to the Check-List of the American Ornithologists’ 
Union. 
OLIVE THORNE MILLER. 
Brooxtyn, N. Y., 1901. 
