INTRODUCTION. 



IN the commencement of a work of such magnitude^ and so 

 novel in this country, some account will necessarily be expected of 

 the motives of the author, and of the nature and intended execution 

 of the work. As to the former of these, it is respectfully submitted, 

 that, amusement blended with instruction, the correction of nu- 

 merous errors which have been introduced into this part of the na- 

 tural history of our country, and a wish to draw the attention of my 

 fellow-citizens, occasionally, from the discordant jarrings of poli- 

 tics, to a contemplation of the grandeur, harmony, and wonderful 

 variety of Nature, exhibited in this beautiful portion of the animal 

 creation, are my principal, and almost only, motives, in the pre- 

 sent undertaking. I will not deny that there may also be other 

 incitements. Biassed, almost from infancy, by a fondness for birds, 

 and little less than an enthusiast in my researches after them, I feel 

 happy to communicate my observations to others, probably from 

 the mere principle of self-gratification, that source of so many even 

 of our most virtuous actions ; but I candidly declare, that lucrative 

 views have nothing to do in the business. In all my wild-wood 

 rambles these never were sufficient either to allure me to a single ex- 

 cursion, to discourage me from one, or to engage my pen or pencil in 

 the present publication. My hopes on this head are humble enough ; 

 I ask only support equal to my merits, and to the laudability of my 

 intentions. I expect no more; I am not altogether certain even of 

 this. But leaving the issue of these matters to futurity, I shall, in the 

 meantime, comfort myself with the good old adage, "Happy are 

 " they who expect nothings for they shall not be disappointed.''^ 



As to the nature of the work, it is intended to comprehend 

 a description, and representation of every species of our native 



B 



