vi P R E F A C E. 



friends, who have afforded affiftance of every kind in this under- 

 taking, which I fhall entitle "A General Synopsis of Birds;" and 

 is meant to contain every thing which its author could gather 

 on the fubjecl: to this day ; wherein he has aimed at fuch con- 

 cifenefs as may be confiftent with affording a clear diftinction be- 

 tween one fpecies and another; in which attempt, it is hoped, 

 he has not totally miffed his intention. All he wifhes, therefore, 

 is, that it may be received with candour, till fomewhat better 

 fhall appear, and a more able pen take up the fubjecl:. 



JOHN LATHAM. 



Dartford, "'■ 



Jan. i, 1781. 



BIRDS. 



