ADVERTISEMENT. 



IN issuing the present little treatise, the publisher would say a word respecting its 

 character and the manner in which it has been composed. He is fully aware of 

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

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

 wants and economy of the American public required it. To those who wish further 

 to pursue the subject, he would recommend the more elaborate treatises of Audubon, 

 Wilson, Bonaparte, Nuttall, and Dekay, for American birds, and particularly the works 

 of Dr. Bechstein for the birds of Europe. 



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

 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 be recollected by many as the editor of " The Naturalist," a monthly 

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

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

 Within the above-named period, he 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 Canaiy Islands,) for the express 

 purpose of investigating, among other objects, the natural features of those countries, 

 where he had ample opportunities for studying the habits of birds both in a state of 

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

 proper mode of feeding and maintaining them in health. 



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

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

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

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

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

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

 it expedient to change the language, in part, for the sake of brevity, elucidation, or 

 Americanising the subject, or adapting it to our climate, economy, and social con- 

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

 be original. ^' 



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

 the public with the full belief that it containes such information on the subject, as the 

 taste and economy of our fair country women and their children require. 



O. M. SAXTON. 



New York, March 20, 1850. 



m> — — $m 



