A lievined List oj Cinciiinnti Birds. 27 



say here that their introduction is regarded by ornithologists general!}- 

 as a most decided mistake; for special reasons why they should not 

 have been introduced in America, the reader is referred to an able 

 paper on the subject by Dr. Elliott Coues, in the' American Naturalist 

 for August, 1878. 



The foregoing are doubtless but a portion of the changes in the 

 Avian-fauna of this localit}- within the period mentioned, as many others, 

 of which we have no definite record, have probably taken place; it is 

 apparent, however, that the various conditions attendant upon civili- 

 zation have resulted, directly or indirect!}', in the extirpation of several 

 of our larger species; while, on the other hand, there has been a decided 

 increase both in species and in individuals, among tlie smaller birds. 

 And finally, in these various changes that have occurred in our Avian- 

 fauna, we have an excellent illustration of the workings of that uni- 

 versal law of nature, in accordance with which the living things of a 

 country or district become adjusted to their surroundings; protection 

 from enemies and an increased food-supply, resulting in a greater 

 abundance of some forms, while extermination is the fate of others 

 whose habits or constitutions will not admit of the modification neces- 

 sary to adapt them to new conditions. 



Madisonville, Hamilton Co., Ohio, December, 1878. 



