PREFACE. 
Tur Compiler of the following work, having 
devoted a considerable portion of his leisure hours 
to the study of Ornithology, has collected a variety 
of facts relating to several interesting specimens of 
the feathered tribe, the publication of which he 
trustsmay be useful and entertaining to those who, 
like himself, take pleasure in this branch of natural 
history. 
The present collection lays no claim to origi- 
-nality, but the information it contains is derived 
from a variety of sources not always perhaps acces- 
sible to the majority of readers, and will, it is 
hoped, be found both copious and convenient. 
The alphabetical arrangement of the specimens will 
enable any one who may have recourse to it as a 
Book of Reference to find at once what he may 
wish to consult. 
Should this little volume, not only prove a 
source of gratification to any who delight in the 
beauty and variety of Nature, but be regarded as 
an expression of friendship, the labour bestowed 
upon it will be amply compensated. 
