INTRODUCTION. 39 



For these reasons, in describing the colours of 

 the plumage of the birds in this treatise, we have 

 made use of Werner's Nomenclature of Colours by 

 Syme. 



This little treatise is accompanied Avitli fifteen 

 coloured engravings. The plates are admirably 

 engraved, by Mr Scott of Edinburgh, from very 

 correct and beautiful drawings done by an Eng- 

 lish artist ; and the publisher has authorised us to 

 state, that neither pains nor expense, on his part, 

 has been spared to get the plates finely done and 

 accurately coloured fi'om nature ; and, though we 

 have no concern with this department of the work, 

 yet we have no hesitation in stating om' opinion, 

 that it has been executed in such a manner, both 

 as to elegance and accuracy, as cannot fail to give 

 satisfaction to the public. 



We cannot conclude, without acknowledging 

 our obligations to several scientific gentlemen, to 

 whom we are indebted for many useful hints, from 

 which we have derived considerable advantage 

 while employed in the arrangement of the present 

 volume. 



PATRICK SYME. 



Edinburgh, I5th July 1823. 



