PREFACE 



THE present Volume, being the second of the Series, is offered 

 to the public with all that humility which becomes a reverential 

 admirer, and very lowly imitator, of the handy works of the Su- 

 preme Creator of the Universe. Contemplating their amazing va- 

 riety, tracing their elegance, symmetry and matchless excellence, 

 at each progressive step he feels more and more sensibly his own 

 infinite inferiority ; and is only encouraged to proceed, by the con- 

 sciousness, that what he does is not unpleasing to that beneficent 

 Power, and may contribute to the innocent amusement and, per- 

 haps, virtuous instruction, of his fellow beings. In the meantime, 

 he avails himself, on this occasion, of the usual privilege of an 

 author, to make a few explanatory remarks, which could not with 

 propriety be introduced in any other place. 



In sketching out the present plan it was calculated that the 

 whole of our Ornithology could be comprised in ten volumes, com* 

 mencing with the Land Birds, and closing with the Water FowL 

 The same opinion is still entertained. The different species, of 

 both Divisions, which are either occasionally or regularly found 

 within the territory of the United States, may amount to about four 

 hundred. The first Section will, probably, occupy six volumes; 

 and the remaining four comprehend the whole of the Waders and 

 Aquatic tribes. 



VOL. II. B 



