4 
guided largely by his own experience and has stated the points that seem 
most characteristic to him. In species with which he has had little experi- 
ence in life he has relied upon others. 
Under ‘‘ Discussion,” as many facts of general interest relating to the 
species have been included as the space allows or the importance of the 
species warrants. Scattered among the various species, where applicable 
under this head, numerous matters are discussed and general laws govern- 
ing zoological life stated. Many of these apply to a number of species 
and some might well be repeated under each specific heading were it not for 
the constant repetition that it would necessitate. An attempt has been 
made to encourage a wholesome protective attitude from an esthetic 
viewpoint. 
“Nesting” is merely a brief description of the nest and its situation. 
Much of this is drawn from other authors, especially from the invaluable 
“Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America.”’ 
Under “ Economic Status ”’ is given a summary of present knowledge 
of the species in their relation to man. Most of this is drawn from the 
admirable work done by the United States Biological Survey. Of necessity 
only a brief outline of the data upon which conclusions are founded can be 
given and the reader is referred to Ornithological Literature on page 13, 
for greater details. 
Under ‘‘ Distribution ”’, it has been deemed best to give the distri- 
butions in such general and well understood terms that all can get at least 
a general conception of the ranges of the species. The result may be a 
little vague owing to the lack of sharvly defined boundaries of the ranges, 
but the centres of distribution are made clear. For definite ranges the 
reader is referred to the ‘‘ Catalogue of Canadian Birds” by John and 
James M. Macoun, issued by this department in 1909. 
Throughout it has been the endeavour to avoid the use of technical 
terms, substituting familiar words wherever possible. Some technical 
terms, however, have no general vernacular equivalent and a glossary of 
yee is given on page 219, for the benefit of those who are unfamiliar with 
them. 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 
The writer wishes to acknowledge valuable assistance received in the 
course of his work from the following sources: 
Mr. Frank Chapman, whose ‘‘ Handbook ”’ has been invaluable in 
filling out gaps in the writer’s personal experience; in suggesting ideas of 
construction, and plan and methods of execution. 
: pees United States Biological Survey for data on the economic relations 
of birds. 
Mr. J. H. Fleming, of Toronto, and Mr. W. E. Saunders, of London, 
who have been untiring in giving advice and assistance from the time of 
the inception of this work until its completion. 
Frank Hennessey, of Ottawa, and Claude Johnson, of this depart- 
ment, who are responsible for the illustrations; the former for the 
coloured pictures and the latter for the line details of the key. 
James M. Macoun, of this department, who has been a constant 
source of helpful advice, and has assisted in preparing the following pages 
for the printer’s hands. 
