vi PREFACE. 



seems to be a wise provision of the bountiful Creator of all things, 

 they themselves may contribute to the sustenance and comfort of 

 a portion of the human race. But to such an enterprize Nature 

 has opposed formidable barriers, such as it appears she does not 

 intend that we shall surmount ; thereby intimating to us that she 

 fears to indulge a curiosity, which might ultimately prove subver- 

 sive of her general plan, by relinquishing to the insatiable domi- 

 nion of a feiVj what was kindly intended for the benefit of alL 



The publication of the eighth volume has been attended with 

 increased expense, as the nature of the figures, and the crowded 

 manner in which the author found himself necessitated to intro- 

 duce them, in order that nine volumes should comprise the whole 

 of our ornithology, have compelled the artists to devote more time 

 to the faithful discharge of their trust. How well they have suc- 

 ceeded in doing justice to their subjects, it is not necessary for us 

 to declare : as the public, in matters of taste, indulge a right of 

 judging for themselves. But it is proper to state that the present 

 volume was a favorite with its author, and he had formed the re- 

 solution of devoting to it a more than ordinary share of his per- 

 sonal attention ; intending thereby to afford to his patrons a proof 

 that there was no falling off from his original elegance ; and to 

 the friends of the arts, and lovers of science, a brilliant illustra- 

 tion of what unwearied industry could accomplish, when associ- 

 ated with zeal and talent. Mr. Wilson intended coloring the 

 chief part of the plates himself; but that design, which sprang 

 from the most refined sense of duty, and so fondly cherished, he 

 did not live to accomplish. 



