PREFACE. ix 



particularly that of the latter, where elegance and utility are blend- 

 ed with the observations of a judicious and discriminating natu- 

 ralist, cannot fail of being highly acceptable to the friends of science 

 in every part of the world, and of animating our native citizens to 

 similar exertions in exploring and illustrating the various other de- 

 partments of the natural history of their country. Well authenti- 

 cated facts deduced from careful observation, precise descriptions, 

 and faithfully pourtrayed representations drawn from living nature, 

 are the only true and substantial materials with which we can ever 

 hope to erect and complete the great superstructure of science; — 

 without these all the learned speculations of mere closet theory are 

 but " the baseless fabricks of a vision." 



For the direction of those who may be disposed to honor the 

 author with their correspondence, the following list is subjoined; 

 containing the common popular names of the most interesting of 

 our LAND BIRDS, whosc history we have yet to detail, and of whose 

 manners any authentic particulars will be gladly received. 



VULTURES. 



^King Vulture, — Upper parts a reddish buff color ; lower yel- 

 lowish white; an elegant specimen ; sometimes seen in E. Florida. 



*Black Vulture, or Carrion Crow, — -Common to the southern 

 states, and differing from the following. 



Turkey Buzzard. — Not confined to the southern, but found 

 also in the middle, and occasionally in the northern states. 



EAGLES AND HAWKS. 



Bald Eagle, — Or more properly the White-headed Eagle. 



"^Sea Eagle, — Three feet six inches long; color a rusty brown; 

 VOL. in. c 



