INTRODUCTION. 
In tlic commencement of a work of sucli magnitude, and so novel in 
tliis 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 Avith instruction, the correction of numerous errors Avhich have 
been introduced into this part of the natural history of our country, 
and a wish to draw the attention of my fellow-citizens, occasionally, 
from the discordant jarrings of politics, to a contemplation of the gran- 
deur, harmony, and wonderful variety of Nature, exhibited in this 
beautiful portion of the animal creation, are my principal, and almost 
only, motives, in the present 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 Avere sufficient either to allure me to a single excursion, 
to discourage me from one, or to engage my pen or pencil in the present 
publication. My hopes on this head arc 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 notJiing, 
for they shall not be disappointed." 
As to the nature of the Avork, it is intended to comprehend a descrip- 
tion and representation of every species of our native birds, from the 
shores of the St. LaAvrence to the mouths of the Mississippi, and from the 
Atlantic Oceain to the interior of Louisiana: these Avill be engraved in a 
style superior to any thing of the kind hitherto published ; ami colored 
from nature with the most scrupulous adherence to the true tints of tho 
original. 
The bare account of scientific names, color of bills, claAA's, feathers, 
&c., Avould form but a dry detail ; neither, in a publication of the present 
kind, Avhere every species is faithfully figured and colored, is a long 
Vol. I.— 1 
