

2 
happy skill in seizing upon such distinctions as are alone significant. * * * The 
geographical distribution of each species is generally fully indicated, and occa- 
sionally are added terse characterizations of their habits. * * * One of the 
most important features of this portion of the work, and one almost for the first 
time introduced into a general work on ornithology, is the critical discrimination 
“made between species, and varieties or geographical races. Recent advances in 
the science have made these discriminations indispensable, and throughout the 
work they are rigidly and judiciously introduced. * * * The volume closes 
with a synopsis of all the fossil birds as yet discovered in North America, * * * 
being the only general exposition of this department of American ornithology 
that has yet been made.”— Ailantic Monthly. 
‘Its author, Dr. Elliott Coues, is one of the most prominent writers on orni- 
thology in this country, and in this volume gives the public a thorough and reliable 
treatise comprehending the entire subject, and so prepared that while it interests 
the tyro it also SHEPUES the wants of the most advanced scientist.”— American 
Sportsman, Nov. 22, 1873. : 
“This book will be welcomed both by the amateur and the professional. orni- 
thologist as a valuable contribution to the list of books treating of North American 
Birds. While Dr. Coues has modestly called his work a ‘ Key,’ it is in reality much 
more than the title indicates. * * * The book will doubtless serve as a manual 
to many who find their recreation in observing and studying the habits of birds, 
and have not the means to purchase more costly works. * * * he typographi- 
eal execution of the work is in every way worthy of it, and the cuts are very clear 
and instructive.”—Vhe Nation, April, 1873. 
“Tt is what it purports to be, an exponent of the present state of American orni- 
thology, and a perfectly reliable guide to the study of our birds. It is especially 
adapted to the use of students and amateurs, and is, in fact, the only text buok or 
manual of ornithology arranged with a view to educational purposes. The 
authows high reputation as a naturalist, and his well known devotion to the de- 
partment in question, guarantee the thoroughly scientific character of the work. 
While ranking with the best standard authorities in accuracy and completeness, 
this treatise presents the science of ornithology in the most attractive form, its ob- 
ject being to teach, to clear away the difficulies and explain the technicalities of 
the science. * * * Pyrofusely and beautifully illustrated by the author’s own 
hand.”— Portsmouth Journal, April 26, 1873. 
“Tn the present work we have the crowning result of the study of North Ameri- 
can Birds, upon which Dr. Coues has been engaged during many years past; for, 
although still a young man, he has long been known as one of the most industrious 
of American naturalists. * * * Appears to represent his latest views upon 
matters of synonymy, of zoological relationship, of geographical dtstribution, ete. 
* * * Perhaps the most original feature in the book is the artificial Key to the 
genera of North American Birds. * * * "We have gone more into detail in our 
notice of this work than is our custom, from our impression of its scientific and 
practical value, and we can cheerfully recommend it to those who wish a reliable 
manual of the birds of North America, in a sufficiently portable form for ready 
reference.”— The Ind: pend:nt, March 13, 1873. 
“This work, to which the author has brought the accumulated experience of 
years of ornithological study and the advantages of a thoroughly cultivated mind, 
is what it claims to be. * * * With the help of this ‘ Key’ the veriest tyro can, 
with very little trouble, identify his specimens, and obtain a knowledge and under- 
standing of American birds impossible to be found in any other work. * * * 
Such a book has been long wanted, and, as it has been practically tried and found 
of great service, it is earnestly recommended to others.”_—Army and Navy Journal, 
March 15, 1873. 
“Dr. Elliott Coues, one of the most distinguished of our younger naturalists, 




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