
2 EXPLANATORY. 

since ascertained to inhabit North America, while one hundred 
and fifty have been removed from the former list as being 
extralimital, invalid or otherwise untenable. Of whatever 
part the author may have taken in remodelling the list, it 
would be obviously indelicate to speak. But he cannot refrain - 
from alluding to the signal services of reform rendered by Mr. 
Allen, of Cambridge, whose stanch advocacy, under circum- 
stances that might have excused flinching, did so much to 
precipitate the changes, long while progressing and inevi- 
table, for which the time was at length at hand. Nor would 
this allusion be entirely just, did he not in the same connection 
refer to the thorough revision now making by Prof. Baird him- 
self, with the cooperation of Dr. Brewer and Mr. Ridgway, the 
results of which are about to appear in what promises to be 
one of the greatest monuments ever erected to American 
ornithology. ‘The notable concordance of the several writings 
in question, an agreement the more gratifying because a short 
time since it might have been considered impossible, marks an 
important period in the history of the science. The outlook 
promises well, when different premises lead up to the same 
conclusions, and conflicting views are reconciled. 
The present Cueck List, prepared in strict accordance with 
the Key, reflects exactly whatever of truth or error that 
work represents. The typography and presswork render it 
susceptible of use in labelling a collection.* It shows mainly 
three points of disagreement with the current Smithsonian 
List. The number of genera is reduced though not to the extent 
that may be desirable. It is perhaps to be regretted, that so 
many needless and burdensome generic names, for which 
Bonaparte, Cabanis, Kaup and Reichenbach are largely re- 

*For this purpose the List will be issued as a pamphlet by itself as well 
as forming part of this little volume. DS) 


