happy skill in seizing upon such distinctions as are alone significant. * * * The 

 geographical distribution of cnch species is generally fully indicated, and occa- 

 sionally arc added terse characterizations of their habits. * * * One of the 

 most important features of this portion of the work, and one almost for the first 

 time introduced into a general work on ornithology, is the critical discrimination 

 made between species, and varieties or geographical races, Kecent advances in 

 the science have made these discriminations indispensable, and throughout the 

 work they are rigidly and judiciously introduced. * * * The volume closes 

 with a synopsis of all the fossil birds as yet discovered in North America, * * * 

 being the only general exposition of this department of American ornithology 

 that has yet been made." Atlantic Monthly. 



''Its author, Dr. Elliott Coues, is one of the most prominent writers on orni- 

 thology in this country, and in this volume gives the public a thorough and reliable 

 treatise comprehending the entire subject, and so prepared that while it interests 

 the tyro it also supplies the wants of the most advanced scientist.'' American 

 Sportsman, Nov. 22, 1873. 



"This book will be welcomed both by the amateur and the professional orni- 

 thologist as a valuable contribution to the list of books treating of North American 

 Birds. While Dr. Coues has modestly called his work a ' Key,' it is in reality much 

 more than the title indicates. * * * The book will doubtless serve as a manual 

 to many who mid their recreation in observing and studying the habits of birds, 

 and have not the means to purchase more costly works. * * * The typographi- 

 cal execution of the work is in every way worthy of it, and the cuts are very clear 

 and instructive." The Nation, April. 1873. 



" It is what it purports to be, an exponent of the present state of American orni- 

 thology, and a perfectly reliable guide to the study of our birds. It is especially 

 adapted to the use of students and amateurs, and is, in fact, the only text bi,ok or 

 manual of ornithology arranged with a view to educational purposes. The 

 author's high reputation as a naturalist, and his well known devotion to the de- 

 partment in question, guarantee the thoroughly scientific character of the work. 

 While ranking with the best standard authorities in accuracy and completeness, 

 this treatise presents the science of ornithology in the most attractive form, its ob- 

 ject being to teach, to clear away the difficulties and explain tlie technicalities of 

 the science. * * * Profusely and beautifully illustrated by the author's own 

 hand." Portsmcuih Journal, April 20, 1873. 



"In the present work we have the crowning result of the study of North Ameri- 

 can Birds, upon which Dr. Coues has been engaged during many years past; for, 

 although still a young man, he has long been known as one of the most industrious 

 of American naturaHsts. * * * Appears to represent his latest views upon 

 matters of synonymy, of zoological relationship, of geographical distribution, etc. 



* * * Perhaps the most original feature in the book is the artificial Key to the 

 genera of North American Birds. * * * We have gone more into detail in our 

 notice of this work than is our custom, from our impression of its scientific and 

 practical value, and we can cheerfully recommend it to those who wish a reliable 

 manual of the birds of North America, in a sufficiently portable form for ready 

 reference." The Indipenclnt, March 1:5, 1873. 



"This w.ork, to which the author has brought the accumulated experience of 

 years of ornithological study and the advantages of a thoroughly cultivated mind, 

 is what it claims to be. * * * With the help of this ' Key ' the veriest tyro can, 

 with very little trouble, identify his specimens, and obtain a knowledge and under- 

 standing of American birds impossible to be found in any other work. * * * 

 Such a book has been long wanted, and, as it has been practically tried and found 

 of great service, it is earnestly recommended to others." Army and Nary Journal, 

 March 15, 1873. 



" Dr. Elliott Coues, one of the most distinguished of our younger naturalists, 



