INTRODUCTION. xxv 



which Bonaparte and Wilson had only met with single 

 specimens. While in the Floridas and Carolinas, my oppor- 

 tunities of determining the numerous species of Herons, Ibises, 

 Pigeons, &c. were ample, for I lived among them, and carefully 

 studied their habits. One motive for my journey to Labrador 

 was to ascertain the summer plumage and mode of breeding of 

 the Water Birds, which in spring retire thither for the purpose 

 of rearing their young in security, far remote from the haunts 

 of man. Besides accomplishing this object, I also met there 

 with a few species hitherto undescribed. 



It has been said by some, that my work on the Birds of 

 America would not terminate until I had added to those of the 

 United States, the numerous species of the southern portion of 

 our continent. Allow me, reader, to refer you in refutation of 

 this assertion to my prospectus, in which it is stated that my 

 work will be completed in four volumes- In whatever other 

 enterprise I may engage, rely upon it 1 will adhere to my ori- 

 ginal design in this ; and the only change will be, that the pe- 

 riod of pubhcation will be shortened, and that there will be 

 added landscapes and views, which were not promised in the 

 prospectus 



From my original intention of publishing rt//the I^and Birds 

 first, I have been induced to deviate, in consequence of letters 

 from my patrons, requesting that, after the conclusion of the se- 

 cond volume, the Water Birds should immediately appear. In- 

 deed the various opinions which my subscribers occasionally ex- 

 press, are not a little perplexing to the " American Woodsman," 

 ever desirous to please all, and to adhere to the method proposed 

 at the commencement of the work. In the fourth and last vo- 

 lume, after the Water Birds, will be represented all that remain 



