iv PREFACE ~ 
— however diluted, — but some account of the 
life and habits, to arouse sympathy and interest 
in the living bird, neither as a target nor as a 
producer of eggs, but as a fellow-creature whose 
acquaintance it would be pleasant to make. 
With this purpose in view I have expanded 
my “ Children’s Talks ” into this little book, to. 
be used as an introduction to one of the most 
fascinating and delightful of studies. 
I hope it is unnecessary to say that I have 
been careful to have the latest and the best 
authorities for the statements made, and I take 
pleasure in presenting a list of them : — 
On Structure: Dr. Elliott Coues, of Washing- 
ton, D. C.; Professor Headley, of Haileybury 
College, England; Mr. Lucas, Curator of Com- 
parative Anatomy, of the National Museum. 
On Moulting: Mr. Witmer Stone, of Phila- 
delphia Academy of Sciences. 
On Color: Professor Newton, of Cambridge — 
University, England. 
On Food: Professor Beal, of Biological Sur- - 
vey, United States Department of Agriculture ; _ 
Mr. Forbush, of Massachusetts State Board of - 
Agriculture ; Mr. Forbes, Director Ilhnois State 
