INTRODUCTION. 
SCoPE. 
This is not a treatise on descriptive ornithology. The 
reader who turns to the list of species expecting to learn the 
color patterns and other characteristics of the several species 
treated within these covers will be disappointed. Books up- 
on descriptive ornithology are both so numerous and so 
readily accessible now that it is no longer the province of 
faunal lists and catalogues to describe birds; they should 
rather endeavor to contribute to our knowledge of the habits 
and economic relations. There are added reasons why this 
catalogue should not attempt to describe the species enumer- 
ated. In 1903, there will be ready for distribution a popular 
scientific work upon the “Birds of Ohio.”* This book will 
be based upon this catalogue, and is being prepared by my 
friend and colaborer, Rev. William Leon Dawson, of Co- 
lumbus. 
This catalogue is a revision of Dr. J. M. Wheaton’s cata- 
logue issued in 1882 as a part of Volume IV of the Ohio 
Geological Survey. An attempt has been made to draw 
comparisons between the conditions prevailing then and 
now, especially as regards the bird life, and to add such facts 
as further study and improved methods have brought to 
light. I have not deemed it advisable to reprint much of Dr. 
Wheaton’s catalogue, because a considerable number of cop- 
ies of that important work may be secured from Mrs. Whea- 
ton, who still resides in Columbus. 
*“The Birds of Ohio,” A complete, scientific and popular de- 
scription of the species of birds found in the state. By William 
Leon Dawson, B.D., with introduction and analytical keys by 
Lynds Jones, S.M., Instructor in Oberlin College. Illustrated 
by 80 plates in color-photography, and more than 200 original 
half-tones, showing the favorite haunts of the birds, flocking, 
feeding, nesting, etc., from photographs taken by the author 
and others. Sold only by subscription by The Wheaton Publish- 
ing Co., Columbus, Ohio. 
