ADVERTISKM: 



IN issuing the present little treatise, the publisher would sa a word rr-p. 

 character and the manner in which it has been compos* . He is fully :t\\ar<- of 

 the limited nature of the work, when compared with the boundless science of which 

 it forma a part, and would have cheerfully extended the subject had he believed the 

 wanta and economy of the American public required it. To those win. 

 to pursue the subject, he would recommend the more elaborate uvuli-*-.* of Auduhon, 

 Wilson, Bonaparte, Nuttall,aitd lK-kay, for American birds, and particularly li.e works 

 of Dr. Bechstein for the birds of Europe. 



An intimate knowledge of Natural History, being an enthusiastic lover of tho 

 feathered tribes, having been familiar with them from his earliest childhood, has 

 well qualified Mr. Browne for writing this and if necessary, an extensive work. He 

 will doubtless bo recollected by many as the editor of w The Naturalist," a monthly 

 periodical, published in Boston some twenty years ago, and more recently as the 

 author of the M American Poultry Yard" and of a treatise on American 

 Within the above-named period, ho has travelled and resided for a considerable 

 time in various parts of North and South America, the West Indies, Europe, and 

 Western Africa, (having passed several months at the Canary Islands,) for the express 

 purpose of investigating, among other objects, the natural features of th ** countries, 

 where he had ample opportunities for tudying Uie habits of birds both in a state of 

 nature, and in confinement, the most advantageous means of procuring them, and tho 

 proper mode of feeding and maintaining them in health. 



In order that the author may not be accused of the reproach of wearing u bor- 

 rowed plumes," it is hereby candidly confessed that he has made a free use of thu 

 writings of Audubon, Nuttall, and particularly those of Dr. Hechstein, as well as of the 

 u Boy's Treasury of Sports," without giving them, in numerous instances, such credit 

 as tho punctilious critic would seem to demand. Be thia as it may, the author has 

 endeavored not to deviate from established custom, except in cases where he deemed 

 U expedient to change the language, in part, for the sake of brevity, elucidai 

 slmcricaHtniHg the subject, or adapting it to our climate, economy, and social con* 

 dilion. Much of the matter, however, and several of the illustrations, he claims to 

 be original. 



The publisher, therefore, confidently presents the tt American Bird Fancier" to 

 the public with the full belief that it container such information on the subject, m the 

 taste and economy of our fab ountry women and their children require. 



O. M. SAXTON. 



New YORK, Martk 90, 1850. 



