iv PREFATORY NOTE. 



by the honored Chief of the Smithsonian Institution, and especially now for the privilege of 

 presenting Mr. Ridgway's valuable paper. 



The names of Audubon, Wilson, Nuttall, as well as of several ornithologists of the 

 present time, will appear frequently in our pages, as their works are for all time. The 

 descriptive text of Audubon and Wilson is classic to the lovers of Nature. 



Since these pioneers in American ornithology ranged the woodlands and sea shores of 

 North America, many birds have been added to our Avifauna. Without naming individ- 

 uals, we may express the opinion that some of the later literature touching newly dis- 

 covered birds on the Western plains and mountains quite equals the charming productions 



that have given those early writers such prominence. 



J. B. H. 



Vol IT 



