4 INTRODUCTION. 



these writers, of observing the manners of the living birds, in 

 their unconfined state, and in their native countries. As well 

 might philosophers attempt to class mankind into their respec- 

 tive religious denominations, by a mere examination of their 

 physiognomy, as naturalists to form a correct arrangement of 

 animals, without a knowledge of these necessary particulars. 



It is only by personal intimacy that we can truly ascertain 

 the character of either, more particularly that of the feathered 

 race; noting their particular haunts, modes of constructing their 

 nests, manner of flight, seasons of migration, favourite food, 

 and numberless other minutiae, which can only be obtained by 

 frequent excursions in the woods and fields, along lakes, shores 

 and rivers; and require a degree of patience and perseverance 

 which nothing but an enthusiastic fondness for the pursuit can 

 inspire. 



Of the numerous systems which have been adopted by diffe- 

 rent writers, that published by Dr. Latham, in his " Index 

 Ornithologicus," and " General Synopsis of Birds," seems the 

 least subject to the objections above-mentioned; and as, in par- 

 ticularizing the order, genus, &c. to which each bird belongs, 

 this system, with some necessary exceptions, has been gene- 

 rally followed in the present work, it is judged proper to in- 

 troduce it here, for the information, and occasional consultation 

 of the reader. 



TABLE 



OF THE ORDERS AND GENERA OF BIRDS, 



ACCORDING TO LATHAM. 



Ind. Orn. Syn. of Birds. 



AVIUM ORDINES. ORDERS OF BIRDS. 



DIV. I. DIV. I. 



I. Jlccipitres Rapacious 



II. Picas Pies 



III. Passeres Passerine 



IV. Columbx Columbine 



