vi INTRODUCTION. 
and considerably denuded in the frontal region, I could yet 
perform on foot a journey of any length, were I sure that I 
should thereby add materially to our knowledge of the ever- 
interesting creatures which have for so long a time occupied 
my thoughts by day, and filled my dreams with pleasant 
images. Nay, Reader, had I a new lease of life presented to 
me, I should chuse for it the very occupations in which I 
have been engaged. 
And, Reader, the life which I have led has been in some 
respects a singular one. Think of a person intent on such 
pursuits as mine have been, aroused at early dawn from his 
rude couch on the alder-fringed brook of seme northern val- 
ley, or in the midst of some yet unexplored forest of the west, 
or perhaps on the soft and warm sands of the Florida shores, 
and listening to the pleasing melodies of songsters innumer- 
able, saluting the magnificent orb from whose radiant in- 
fluence the creatures of many worlds receive life and light. 
Refreshed and reinvigorated by healthful rest, he starts upon 
his feet, gathers up his store of curiosities, buckles on his 
knapsack, shoulders his trusty firelock, says a kind word to 
his faithful dog, and recommences his pursuit of zoological 
knowledge. Now the morning is spent, and a squirrel or a 
trout afford him a repast. Should the day be warm, he re- 
poses for a time under the shade of some tree. The wood- 
land choristers again burst forth into song, and he starts anew, 
to wander wherever his fancy may direct him, or the objects 
of his search may lead him in pursuit. When evening ap- 
proaches, and the birds are seen betaking themselves to their 
retreats, he looks for some place of safety, erects his shed of 
green boughs, kindles his fire, prepares his meal, and as the 
