Prelude 



ogy we are happily beyond the reach of 

 false speculation. The different groups of birds 

 are quite distinct, whether we can clearly see 

 the reason for it or not. Indeed, it adds a 

 spice of interest to know there is an unexplored 

 remainder. They entertain us by their songs 

 and charming ways, quite oblivious of man's 

 efforts to check them off into class, order, fam- 

 ily, genus, and species. They live amicably 

 when not related (according to science), and 

 quarrel when in the same family, just like hu- 

 man beings. A thrush by any other name 

 would sing as well, and the oven-bird will be 

 just as dainty, comical, and happy, whether we 

 classify it with the thrushes, as formerly, or 

 with the warblers, as latterly. Free as the air, 

 they rise above all external limitation ; and in 

 habits and plumage they are not the less enter- 

 taining for their sublime indifference to man's 

 scrutiny. 



" Nay, the bird's rural music too 

 Is as melodious and as free 

 As if they sung to pleasure you." 



In one important respect this study is unique 

 and favored, as compared with the other branches 

 of natural history. If one would study the 

 botany of Labrador or of Mexico, he must 



