INTRODUCTION. 



Scope. 



This is not a treatise on descriptive ornithology. The 

 reader who turns to the list of species expecting- to learn the 

 color patterns and other characteristics of the several species 

 treated within these covers will be disappointed. Books up- 

 on descriptive ornithology are both so numerous and so 

 readily accessible now that it is no longer the province of 

 faunal lists and catalogues to describe birds ; they should 

 rather endeavor to contribute to our knowledge of the habits 

 and economic relations. There are added reasons why this 

 catalogue should not attempt to describe the species enumer- 

 ated. In 1903, there will be ready for distribution a popular 

 scientific work upon the "Birds of Ohio."* This book will 

 be based upon this catalogue, and is being prepared by my 

 friend and colaborer. Rev. William Leon Dawson, of Co- 

 lumbus. 



This catalogue is a revision of Dr. J. M. Wheaton's cata- 

 logue issued in 1882 as a part of Volume IV of the Ohio 

 Geological Survey. An attempt has been made to draw 

 comparisons between the conditions prevailing then and 

 now, especially as regards the bird life, and to add such facts 

 as further study and improved methods have brought to 

 light. I have not deemed it advisable to reprint much of Dr. 

 Wheaton's catalogue, because a considerable number of cop- 

 ies of that important work may be secured from Mrs. Whea- 

 ton, who still resides in Columbus. 



*"The Birds of Ohio." A complete, scientific and popular de- 

 scription of the species of birds found in the state. By William 

 Leon Dawson, B.D., with introduction and analytical keys by 

 Lynds Jones, S.M., Instructor in Oberlin College. Illustrated 

 by 80 plates in color-photography, and more than 200 original 

 half-tones, showing the favorite haunts of the birds, flocking, 

 feeding, nesting, etc., from photographs taken by the author 

 and others. Sold only by subscription by The Wheaton Publish- 

 ing Co., Columbus, Ohio. 



