PREFACE. vii 



the Blue-bird of the United States, and the Robin Red-breast of Bri- 

 tain, equally beloved by the boys of both countries. 



To the philosopher, as well as the naturalist, and to every 

 man of feeling, the manners, migration, and immense multitudes 

 of birds in this country, are subjects of interesting and instructive 

 curiosity. From the twenty-first day of March to the first of May, 

 it might with truth be asserted, that at least one hundred million 

 of birds enter Pennsylvania from the south ; part on their way far- 

 ther north, and part to reside during the season. This is no ex- 

 travagant computation, since it is allowing only about four hundred 

 individuals to each square mile; tho even those resident for the 

 summer would probably average many more. Our forests at that 

 season are every where stored with them ; and even the most 

 gloomy swamps and morasses swarm with their respective feather- 

 ed tenants, and the seats of cultivation contain a still greater pro- 

 portion. In Mr. Bartram's botanic garden, and the adjoining build- 

 ings, comprehending an extent of little more than eight acres, the 

 author has ascertained, during his present summer residence there, 

 that not less than fifty-one^ pair of birds took up their abode and 



* These consisted of 



5 pair of House Wrens, 1 pair of Common Pee-wees, 



2 — 



— Baltimore Orioles, 



1 — 



— Indigo Buntings, 



2 



— Orchard Orioles, 



1 



— Yellow-breasted Chats, 



3 



Summer Yellow Warblers, 



4 



— Purple Grakles, 



5 



— Catbirds, 



5 



— Song Sparrows, 



1 — 



White-eyed Flycatchers, 



3 



Chipping Sparrows, 



2 



Warbling Flycatchers, 



2 



— Chimney Swallows, 



1 — 



— Robins, 



1 



— Purple Martins, 



1 — 



— Swamp Sparrows, 



10 



— Barn Swallows, 



1 — 



— Wood Pee-wees, 







Besides several others whose nests could not be found, but which were frequently observed 

 about; such as the Blue Jay, the Humming-bird, Scarlet Tanager, &c. &c. 



