INTRODUCTION. 



Having been frequently asked, for several years past, by 

 numerous friends of science, both in America and Europe, to 

 present to them and to the public a work on the Ornithology of 

 our country, similar to my large work, but of such dimensions, 

 and at such price, as would enable every student or lover of nature 

 to place it in his Library, and look upon it during his leisure hours 

 as a pleasing companion — I have undertaken the task with the 

 hope that those good friends and the public will receive the 

 "Birds of America," in their present miniature form, with that 

 favour and kindness they have already evinced toward one who 

 never can cease to admire and to study with zeal and the most 

 heartfelt reverence, the wonderful productions of an Almighty 

 Creator. 



J. J. AUDUBON. 



New York, Nov. 1839. 



Vol. I. 



