PREFACE. 



If this book had been written in the last century it might have 

 been entitled " Ornithology made Simple, or How to Identify Birds 

 with Ease, Certainty, and Dispatch." It may be unworthy so com- 

 prehensive a title, nevertheless I have made an honest endeavor to 

 write a book on birds so free from technicalities that it would be in- 

 telligible without reference to a glossary, and I have tried to do this 

 in a volume which could be taken afield in the pocket. 



I have not addressed an imaginary audience, nor have I given my 

 prospective readers what, theoretically, I thought they ought to have, 

 but what personal experience with students of birds has led me to 

 believe would meet their wants. 



The preparation of this work has firmly convinced me that the 

 poet would have been nearer the truth had he written " One touch of 

 nature makes the whole world kind.'" In the succeeding pages I have 

 attempted to express my appreciation of the assistance which natural- 

 ist friends and associates have generously given me, but here I desire 

 to especially thank Miss Florence A. Merriam, Dr. J. A. Allen, and 

 Mr. Ernest E. Thompson for much valuable criticism and advice. 



Frank M. Chapman. 



American Museum op Natural History, 

 New York City, January, 1890. 



