viii INTRODUCTION. 



length that it shewed, at the period of his death, or even when 

 his work was completed by the addition of the ninth volume. 

 Yet I am confident that very man}'^ species remain to be added, 

 by future observers, who shall traverse the vast wastes, extend- 

 ing northward and westward from the Canadas, and along the 

 western slopes of the Rocky Mountains, from Nootka to Cali- 

 fornia. Nay, I look upon the whole range of those magnificent 

 mountains, as being yet unexplored, for the few scientific tra- 

 vellers who have traversed it, have merely, as it were, picked 

 up the scattered objects that crossed their path. Of this I am 

 persuaded, in consequence of the many conversations I have 

 had with my friend Thomas Nuttall, and the notices which 

 I have received from Dr Townsend, as well as the valuable 

 observations transmitted in a letter to me by my friend Dr 

 Richardson. Both Captain James Ross, and Captain Back, 

 of the British Navy, have assured me that they saw curious 

 birds, which they were unable to procure. Indeed, this has 

 been the case with myself, even in some of the inhabited por- 

 tions of the United States, as well as in Labrador and New- 

 foundland. Therefore, Reader, I would strongly advise you to 

 make up your mind, shoulder your gun, muster all your spfrits, 

 and start in search of the interesting unknown, of which I oreat- 

 ly regret I cannot more go in pursuit, — not for want of will, 

 but of the vigour and elasticity necessary for so arduous an 

 enterprise. Should you agree to undertake the task, and 

 prove fortunate enough to return, full of knowledge, laden with 

 objects new and rare, be pleased, when you publish your work, 

 to place my name in the list of subscribers, and be assured that 

 / will not " leave you in the lurch." 



