vl PREFACE. 



fanity, of those who have censured as rude, defective or deformed^ 

 whatever, in those and other organized beings, accorded not with 

 their narrow conceptions ; let it be ours to search with humility 

 into the intention of those particular conformations; and thus, en^ 

 tering as it were into the designs of the Deity, we shall see in every 

 part of the work of his hands abundant cause to exclaim with the 

 rapturous poet of nature, 



" O Wisdom infinite ! Goodness immense! 

 And Love that passeth knowledge!" 



In the present volume, the greater part of such of the Waders 

 as belong to the territories of the United States, will be found de- 

 lineated and described. This class naturally forms an interme- 

 diate link between the Land Birds and the Web"f0eted,^partaking, 

 in their form, food and habits, of the characters of both; and 

 equally deserving of our regard and admiration. Tho formed for 

 traversing watery situations, often in company with the Swimmers, 

 they differ from these last in one circumstance common to Land 

 Birds, the separation of the toes nearly to their origin; and in the 

 habit of never venturing beyond their depth. On the other hand, 

 they are furnished with legs of extraordinary length, bare for a 

 considerable space above the knees, by the assistance of which 

 they are enabled to walk about in the water in pursuit of their 

 prey, where the others are obliged to swim; and also with necks 

 of corresponding length, by means of which they can search the 

 bottom for food, where the others must have recourse to diving* 



