Till PREFACE TO THE FIEST EDITION. 



works on birds, arranged the matter under the following 

 heads : 



Description. An accurate description of each species is 

 necessary to guard the amateur against the tricks of the bird- 

 sellers, who often do not hesitate to sell a female as a male, or 

 substitute one species for another. It may also tend to foster 

 a taste for natural history in the lover of Cage-birds, and direct 

 his attention to such observations and researches as may tend 

 to the advancement of science. 



Habitat. Among the first questions prompted by the desire 

 to possess a bird of any particular species, are, when and where 

 is it to be procured ? and when procured, in what manner can its 

 mode of life in confinement be best adapted to its natural 

 habits? My remarks under the above-mentioned head are 

 designed to answer these questions. 



Food. Their food, which should resemble as closely as 

 possible their natural nourishment, is one of the particulars 

 most carefully to be attended to in the management of Cage- 

 birds. I have therefore divided this section into two parts, 

 which treat respectively of the food of Cage-birds, first in a 

 wild state, and secondly in confinement. 



Breeding. A knowledge of the method by which Cage-birds 

 may be induced to propagate their species, is rendered neces- 

 sary by the fact, that many birds cannot be kept with ad- 

 vantage except reared from the nest, or when removed from 

 the parent birds at a very early period. 



Diseases. The numerous diseases incident to Cage-birds 

 may be accounted for by the want of exercise and natural 

 nutriment experienced in the confinement of the aviary. I 

 have not thought it necessary to be very explicit on this sub- 

 ject ; as it is one which yet requires further elucidation on the 

 part of anatomical and medical science. 



Mode of Taking. Under this head the reader will find 

 directions which will enable him, with a little trouble, to 

 procure for himself most of our indigenous birds. 



Attractive Qualities. To the end of my account of each 

 species, I have appended a short statement of the qualities 

 which render it a desirable acquisition to the aviary. 



WALTERSHATJSEN, Oct. 20, 1794. 



