PREFACE. xv 
structure, and the general differences of appearance in the 
birds of various families or groups. The illustrations of this 
volume are woodcuts in outline, the only satisfactory form, not 
greatly increasing its cost, of which the author has bethought 
himself. He:has drawn most of the figures from nature — he 
hopes with accuracy, though, since the scales vary, and (when 
fractional) are only approximate, they do not satisfactorily 
represent the relative size of the birds figured.12 The outlines 
of the Chickadee, Night ‘“‘ Hawk,” and Golden-winged Wood- 
pecker, have been copied from Wilson’s pictures; those of the 
Winter Wren were suggested by a picture in Dr. Coues’ ‘‘ Key 
to North American Birds.” The details of structure have all 
been drawn from nature by the author, though several hints 
have been taken from the latter volume. The outlines of birds 
very well known, or nearly related to others figured, have been 
omitted. It may be here remarked that.in the figure of the 
Traill’s Flycatcher the tail is broader and more rounded than 
is observable in the living bird when at rest. In some other 
figures, the notch of the bill is indistinct. 
This volume contains several facts, never before published, 
so far as the author knows, except a few, which have appeared 
in magazines or pamphlets. It also possesses new features, 
which will, it is hoped, facilitate the acquisition of a thorough 
knowledge of our birds, though it contains no more scientific 
details than necessary. The classification, with slight changes 
in sequence, is that used by Professor Baird and Dr. Coues. 
The introduction (which is divided into sections, marked by 
letters) relates chiefly to the formation of a collection of eggs, 
containing, however, a section on structural details, and an- 
other on classification. Each of the succeeding chapters treats 
of an ornithological order, though the last treats of the game- 
birds. Each chapter is divided into sections, which are con- 
tinuously numbered throughout (in Arabic figures), and which 
mark the various families (subfamilies being otherwise indi- 
12These have not been drawn so as to exhibit the longest primary, spurious 
- feathers, scutelle, or the like, unless in the plate. 
