vi PREFACE. 



usual and stated period. Complaints and regret, for what is irre- 

 coverable, would be as unavailing, as apologies for w^hat could not 

 be prevented, would be improper. He will only on this subject 

 remark, that a recurrence of similar obstacles not being likely 

 to take place, and the plates of the fourth volume, now in the 

 hands of the engraver, being in considerable forwardness, every 

 exertion will be made, consistent with the correct execution of the 

 work, to atone for past delays, by its early and prompt publication. 



With respect to the contents of the present volume, the au- 

 thor has a few hints to offer to the consideration of the intelligent 

 reader, whose favorable opinion in behalf of his labours he is most 

 anxious to merit. 



Should there appear in some of the following accounts of our 

 native birds, a more than common deficiency of particulars as to 

 their manners and migration, he would beg leave to observe, that 

 he is not engaged in copying from Museums the stuffed subjects 

 they contain; nor from books or libraries the fabulous and hear- 

 say narratives of closet naturalists, A more laborious, and, as 

 he trusts, a more honorable duty is prescribed him. He has exa- 

 mined the stores of living Nature for himself; and submitted with 

 pleasure, to all the difficulties and fatigues incident to such an un- 

 dertaking. Since he had last the honor of presenting himself be- 

 fore the public, he has traced the wilds of our western forests, 

 alone, for upwards of seven months ; and traversed, in that time, 

 more than three thousand miles, a solitary, exploring pilgrim. As 

 nearlv one half of the whole number of birds contained in the fol- 

 lowing sheets (part of the products of his late tour), are such as 



