Prelude 
ogy we are happily beyond the reach of 
false speculation. The different groups of birds 
are quite distinct, whether we can clearly see 
the reason for it or not. Indeed, it adds a 
spice of interest to know there is an unexplored 
remainder. ‘They entertain us by their songs 
and charming ways, quite oblivious of man’s 
efforts to check them off into class, order, fam- 
ily, genus, and species. ‘They live amicably 
when not related (according to science), and 
quarrel when in the same family, just like hu- 
man beings. A thrush by any other name 
would sing as well, and the oven-bird will be 
just as dainty, comical, and happy, whether we 
classify it with the thrushes, as formerly, or 
with the warblers, as latterly. Free as the air, 
they rise above all external limitation ; and in 
habits and plumage they are not the less enter- 
taining for their sublime indifference to man’s 
scrutiny. 
** Nay, the bird’s rural music too 
Is as melodious and as free 
As if they sung to pleasure you.” 
In one important respect this study is unique 
and favored, as compared with the other branches 
of natural history. If one would study the 
botany of Labrador or of Mexico, he must 
7 
