68 J\''uUalV$ Ornithology. 



customs of the feathered race, all of which arrest the atten- 

 tion very forcibly, and are written with great eloquence. 



The following extract from the author's Preface will show 

 his views and resources ; and his reputation as a man of 

 science is a guarantee for the faithful performance of his 

 undertaking : 



' After so many excellent works have appeared on the 

 Birds of the United States, it may almost appear presump- 

 tuous, at present, to attempt any addition to the list. A com- 

 pendious and scientific treatise on the subject, at a price so 

 reasonable as to permit it to find a place in the hands of 

 general readers, seemed, however, still a desideratum ; and 

 to supply this defect has been a principal object with the 

 author of the present publication. 



' Besides exploring the ever fruitful field of nature in this 

 delightful and fascinating kingdom, every available aid has 

 been employed ; and, as might be expected, invaluable assis- 

 tance has been derived from the labors of the immortal Wil- 

 son and of the justly celebrated Audubon. In the scientific 

 part of the Manual, constant recurrence has also been had to 

 the useful labors of C L. Bonaparte, prince of Musignano, 

 and also to the well known treatise on European Ornithology 

 by the accurate and elaborate Temminck, as well as to other 

 authors of established reputation, such as Brisson, BuflTon, 

 Latham, White and Pennant. 



' To a number of obliging friends who have assisted him in 

 obtaining specimens, or relations concerning the habits of 

 our birds, the author offers his grateful acknowledgments ; 

 particularly to Charles Pickering, M. D., to whom he is in- 

 debted for much valuable information on their geographical 

 limits ; to AVilliam Cooper, Esq., well known by his devotion 

 to the study of ornithology ; to Mr. Oakes of Ipswich ; to T. 

 W. Harris, M. D., librarian of Harvard University ; to S. E. 

 Greene, Esq., of Boston ; and to Mr. Nathaniel J. Wyeth, Mr. 

 James Brown, Mr. John Bethune, and Mr. Russell, of Cam- 

 bridge.' 



In our next number we shall favor our readers with an ex- 

 tract from the work, accompanied with a specimen of the en- 

 graving. 



