INTRODUCTION. xxvii 



GiFFORD, the younger John Woodhouse. — Of their natural 

 or acquh'ed talents it does not become me to speak ; but should 

 you some day see the " Quadrupeds of America" published by 

 their united efforts, do not forget that a pupil of David first 

 gave them lessons in drawing, and that a member of the Bake- 

 well family formed their youthful minds. 



To England I am as much as ever indebted for support in my 

 hazardous and most expensive undertaking, and more than ever 

 grateful for that assistance without which my present publica- 

 tion might, like an uncherished plant, have died. While I re- 

 flect on the unexpected honours bestowed on a stranger through 

 the generous indulgence of her valuable scientific associations, 

 I cannot refrain from expressing my gratitude for the facilities 

 which I have enjoyed under the influence which these societies 

 are spreading over her hospitable lands, as well as in other coun- 

 tries. I feel equally proud and thankful when I have to say 

 that my own dear country is affording me a support equal to 

 that supplied by Europe. 



Permit me now to say a few words respecting the persons 

 engaged about my work. T have much pleasure in telling my 

 patrons in Europe and America, that my engraver Mr Havell 

 has improved greatly in the execution of the plates, and that the 

 numbers of the " Birds of America" have appeared with a regu- 

 larity seldom observed in so large a publication. For this, praise 

 is due not only to Mr Havell, but also to his assistants Mr 

 Blake, Mr Stewart, and Mr Edington. 



I have in this, as in my preceding volume, followed the no- 

 menclatm-e of my much valued friend Charles Lucian Bo- 

 naparte, and this I intend to do in those which are to come, 

 excepting always those alterations which I may deem absolutely 



