xxviii INTRODUCTION. 



necessary. It is my intention, at the close, to present a general 

 table, exhibiting the geographical distribution of the different 

 species. The order in which the plates have been published, 

 precluding the possibility of arranging the species in a systema- 

 tic manner, it has not been deemed expedient to enter into the 

 critical remarks as to affinity and grouping, which might other- 

 wise have been made ; but at another period I may offer you my 

 ideas on this interesting subject. 



And now, reader, allow me to address my excellent friend 

 the Critic. Would that it were in my power to express the feel- 

 ings that ever since he glanced his eye over my productions, 

 whether brought forth by the pencil or the pen, have filled my 

 heart with the deepest gratitude ; — that I could disclose to him 

 how exhilarating have been his smiles, and how useful have been 

 his hints in the prosecution of my enterprise ! If he has found 

 reason to bestow his commendations upon my first volume, I 

 trust he will not find the present more defective. Indeed, I can 

 assure him that the labour bestowed upon it by me has been 

 much greater, and that I have exerted every effort to deserve his 

 approbation. 



JOHN J. AUDUBON. 



Edinburgh, 'J 



1st December 1834. ) 



