t 350 1 



mcnts of the fcience according to the LinnceaH 

 method, and a full explanation of the terms thereirr 

 employed. It is divided into four parts. In the 

 firft, the author gives a brief hiflory of Ornitho- 

 logifts, amongft whom he places Belon and Gefner, 

 as the firft authors worth attention, defcending to 

 AldrovanduSy Marcgrave^ Willoughby, and Ray, 

 before any thing like fyftem was introduced. To 

 thefe fucceed Ritdheck^ whofe collcdion of paint- 

 ings, yet unpublifhed, are in the hands of M. de 

 Geer-y jilbin^ Catejby^ and Edwards^ the laft of 

 whom, from his unwearied diligence, and the op- 

 portunities that his fituation at London afforded 

 him, had excelled all others. To thefe muft be 

 added M. BnjJ'on\ publication of Reaumur\ col- 

 ledion, as alfo Klein^ Brimniche^ and Barrere. 



In the fecond part, the anatomical ftrudure and 

 external form of this order of animals are defcribed, 

 Firft, the form in general ; then the particular 

 parts, explaining under each the terms ufed in 

 defcribing them, and in forming iht generic al and 

 fpecific characters. This part is illuftrated with a 

 plate, which has been copied into feveral fucceed- 

 ing works on this fubjed. 



The third treats on the hiftory of birds ; re- 

 fpeding their habitations, migrations, incubation, 

 and the whole of their natural economy. To which 

 is fubjoined the method of conilrucling fcientific 

 dcfcriptions, and generical characters. r 



The fourth exhibits a general view of the ufe of 

 birds in the police of nature j in diet, and their utility 

 to man : and here we cannot but note the Chavaria. 



of 



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