

PREFACE. 



THE 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 

 trusts may 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. 



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