XIV INTRODUCTION. 



usal of the works of Cuvier (especially his " Regne Ani- 

 mal"), those of BuFFON, and the " Philosophy of Zoology" 

 of Dr Fleming, as well as the writings of Messrs Vigors 

 and SwAiNSON ; in all of which these general heads of the 

 science are most ably discussed. Derham's " Physico- 

 Theology," and the " Natural Theology" of the late learned 

 Dr Paley, are books almost too well known to need recom- 

 mendation, but follow the others in such natural progression, 

 by leading the mind to a deeper and more salutary interest 

 in this branch of science, that they ought not to be omitted. 

 The above works are Jirst mentioned, as applying to the sub- 

 ject before us in its most enlarged scale; but, with regard to 

 the minor, and, I may add, more superficial points, there are 

 many works upon general Ornithology, as well as upon that 

 of our own islands, which I would particularly recommend. 

 Dr Latham's " General Synopsis," and " Index Ornitholo- 

 gicus;" the " Ornithological Dictionary" and " Supple- 

 ment of Montagu ; the " Manuel d'Ornithologie" of M. 

 Temminck ; the Ornithological works of Brisson, Le 

 Vaillant, Vieillot, Lesson, &c., with those of the Ger- 

 man writers Meyer, Bechstein, and Illiger, will be 

 found of eminent utility. For an instructive individual 

 history of each species, the " Ornithology" of Willoughby, 

 White's " Natural History of Selbourne," the works of 

 Pennant, Lewin's " British Birds," and the " British 

 Birds" of Bewick, well repay perusal. There are also some 

 excellent independent treatises upon generic distinction, 

 variation of plumage, and peculiar specific habits, dispersed 

 through the various Scientific Journals, and Transactions 



