[fon tinned. 



hapio' i^kill in seizing upon sucli distinctions as are alone signiflcant. * * * The 

 geographical distribution of each species is generally fully indicated, aVid occa- 

 sionally art added terse charapterizations of their habits. * * * One of the 

 most important features of this portion of the work, and one almost for the first 

 time introduced into a general work on ornitljology is the critical discrimination 

 made between spceies, and varieties or geographical races. Recent advances in 

 the •science have made these discrimilvations indispensable, and throughout the 

 work they are rigidly and judiciously'' introduced. * * * The volume clo.ses 

 witii a synopsis of all tlie fossil birds as yet discovered in North America, * * * 

 being the only general exposition of tliis department of American ornitliology 

 that has yet been nia<le." — AildUtic Monthly. 



'"Its author. Dr. KUiott Cones, is one of the most prominent writers on orni- 

 thology in this country, and in this volume gives the public a tliorough and reliable 

 treatise comprehending the entire subject, and so prepared that wliile it interests 

 the tyro it also supplies the wants of the most advanced scientist.'' — American 

 Sportsman, Nov. 22, 1873. 



"This book will be -welctjmed both by the amateur and the professional orni- 

 thologist as a valuable contribution to tlie list of books treating of North American 

 Birds. While Dr. Coues has modestly chlled his work a ' Key,' it is in reality much 

 morj^ than the title indicates. * * * The book At'ill doubtless serve as a manual 

 to many who find their recreation in observing and studying the habits of birds, 

 and liave not the means to purchase more costly works. * * * The typographi- 

 cal execution of the work is in every wrfy worthy of it, and tlie cuts are very clear 

 and instructive." — The Xation. Api'il, 187IJ. 



" It is what it purports to lie, an exponent of the present f tate of American orni- 

 thology, and a perfectly reliable guide to the study of our birds. It is especially 

 adapted to the use of students and amateurs, and is, in fact, the only'text book or 

 manual of ornithology arranged with a view to educational purposes. The 

 author's high reputation as a naturalist, and his well known devotion to the de- 

 partment in quBbtion, guarantee the thoroughly scientific character of the work. 

 While ranking with the best standard authorities in accuracy and completeness, 

 this treatise presents the science of ornitholog3- in the most attractive form, its ob- 

 ject beFhg to teach, to clear away the difficulties and explain the technicalities of 

 the science. * * * Profusely and beautifully illustrated by the author's own 

 hand." — Portsmouth Journal, April 2(5, 1S73. 



" In the present work we have the drowning result of the etudy of North Ameri- 

 can Birds, upon -which Dr. Coues ha.s been engaged dunng many years past; for, 

 although still a young man, he h.fs long been known as one of tlieniost industrious 

 of American naturalists. * -^ * Appears to represent his latest views upon 

 'jnatters of synonymy, of zoological relationship, of geographicaldittributioh, etc. 

 ._ *. * * Perhaps the most original feature in the book is the artificial Key to Hie 

 genera of North American Birds. * *** We hav§ gone more into detail in our 

 notice of this work than is our custom, from our impression of its scientilic and 

 l)ractical value, and we can cheerfully recommend it to those who wish a reliable 

 manual of the birds of North America; in a sufficiently portable form for ready 

 reference.'' — The Independent. March 13, 1873. 



"This work, to which the author has brought the accuninlated ex|)crience of 

 years of ornithological study and the .idvantages ol' a thoroughly cultivated mind, 

 is what it claims to be. * * * With the help of this 'Key' the veriest tyro can. 

 with very little trouble, identify his specimens, and obtain a knowledge and under- 

 standing of American birdf impossible^o be found in any other work. * * * 

 Such a book has been long wanted, and, as it has bden practically tried and found 

 of great service, it is earnestly recommended to others." — Army and Navy Journal, 

 March 1.5, 1873. ' , 



"Dr. Elliott Coues, one of the «)'ost distinguished of our younger naturalists, 



[^continued. 



