INTRODUCTORY. 



The following list of the birds of Fergus County, Montana, like all 

 similar publications, is intended primarily to aid any worker in this 

 branch of natural history, and to extend the knowledge of the common 

 birds of this region. It is further hoped that it will be a help to any per- 

 son who may be interested in forming the acquaintance of some of the 

 birds which escape common observation. While possibly not free from 

 errors, the list is believed to be as complete as present information can 

 make it, and hence it will serve as a basis for more detailed and extensive 

 investigation. 



In order to make the list usable to general observers, brief descrip- 

 tions have been included, given in such terms as the ordinary reader may 

 understand. While not aimed to be exact scientific descriptions, it is be- 

 lieved that this feature of the list will add to its value to teachers and 

 others interested in nature study. 



The author desires to commend the wise and broad-minded policy 

 of the Board of Trustees of the Fergus County High School, in recogniz- 

 ing so clearly the educative mission of the high school in any community, 

 and in using this means to advance the knowledge of the natural history 

 of this region. To Mr. F. B. Wright, President of the Board of Trustees; 

 Mr. Rudolf von Tobel, Secretary; Mr. David Hilger, Mr. Theo. Hogeland, 

 members, who were foremost in suggesting the preparation of this work, 

 Mr. W. A. Hedges, member; Elizabeth Peebles, former ex-officio member, 

 and Ada Myersick, ex-officio member, the personal thanks of the author 

 are due for hearty support accorded the publication of the list and for 

 ample provision for issuing it in durable and attractive form. 



For the illustrations, we acknowledge our indebtedness to Prof. M. J. 

 Xllrod, of the University of Montana, from whose photographs the 

 plates of nests and eggs were made; and to Mr. E. R. Warren, of Colorado 

 Springs, for excellent photographs of living birds, from which the plates 

 of birds were made. 



Copies of this bulletin can be obtained upon application to the au- 

 thor or to Rudolf von Tobol, Secretary Board of Trustees, Fergus County 

 High School, Lewistown. Mont. 



M366957 



