PRELUDE 



IRNITHOLOGY is weii-nigh the 



humblest member in the fraternity 

 of Natural Sciences. It has little 

 or no recognition in school or col- 

 lege, and hitherto has excited comparatively 

 little general interest. It is accounted a sur- 

 prising thing when a person is found who can 

 speak intelligently in regard to a dozen of the 

 very commonest species of birds. Yet not- 

 withstanding the slight hold this science seems 

 to have upon the popular mind, we find that 

 in every Natural History museum in the world 

 the section that proves most generally attractive, 

 and is most interestedly commented upon, is 

 that containing the ornithological specimens. 

 The public takes a lively interest in dead birds ; 

 why is it so indifferent to the living ones? 

 What is a visit to the best assortment in the 

 world of mounted skins neatly arranged in 

 show-cases, faded and voiceless, in comparison 

 with one of nature's walks, where 



