iv AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 



ATTRACTIVE QUALITIES. Under this head I have stated 

 the properties which render a bird worthy of our notice, 

 and of being tamed and kept in the house. 



The volume ends with an alphabetical index, which will 

 enable a person instantly to find the birds whose history 

 he requires. May my work be as useful as it is my wish 

 to make it, and my intentions will be accomplished. 



SECOND EDITION. 



THE call for a second edition is no inconsiderable proof 

 to me that I accomplished my purpose in the first. None 

 of my works have had a more flattering reception, from all 

 classes of readers ; but particularly from some of the most 

 distinguished, who have given me repeated proofs of their 

 satisfaction. I have also had the pleasure of assisting 

 many amateurs with my experience, who have honoured 

 me with questions. This pleasure is now increased by 

 being able to render these instructions general, and to 

 perfect this new edition by later observations, some com- 

 municated by others, which I judged it right to introduce. 

 If any reader is surprised at not finding in this work many 

 foreign birds seen in France, Holland, or in some of the 

 maritime towns of Germany, it is because I have never 

 had an opportunity of observing them myself : in a word, 

 it is very pleasing to me to feel that my work has increased 

 the number of the lovers of natural history ; and I hope 

 to see them still increasing. It is, indeed, my earnest wish 



