v1 INTRODUCTION, 
and Geographical Survey of the Territories, and the writings of such 
authentic observers as Coues, Allen, Merriam, Brewster, Deane, and a 
host of other like authorities, as well as to the Natural History Columns 
of Forest and Stream and Rod and Gun, where many a note of value is 
preserved, 
Besides this, numerous requests have been made for drawings of our 
native birds, (particularly of those whose beauty of form or- plumage 
rendered them more than ordinarily conspicuous), at nominal prices, 
which the time necessarily consumed in their production would by no 
means warrant. In this the initial number of the series, he has endeav- 
ored to present an example of how he intends to meet the wants enu- 
merated, and however faulty the construction of the text may appear, 
or however it may suggest to the reader a want of experience upon 
the author's part, he can only assure those who favor his enterprise, that 
a hearty and practical wish and encouragement for success therein will 
tend to stimulate both his brush and pen and render the future of 
“ BRIGHT Rae ” more faithful in its delineations of bird-forms, 
and more acceptable in its textual arrangement. 
The series is intended to include ten or more species (in as many 
parts) of such birds as are found in the North-eastern portion of the 
United States, most attractive for their plumage colorations; and the 
plates will contain figures of the female as well as the male of ‘the 
species under advisement. 
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