INTRODUCTION. 
3 
this lias indeed proved a source of great perplexity to the student. 
Some have increased the number of orders to an unnecessary extent, 
multiplied the genera, and, out of mere varieties, produced what they 
supposed to be entire new species. Others, sensible of the impropriety 
of this, and wishing to simplify the science, as much as possible, have 
reduced the orders and genera to a few, and have thus thrown birds, 
whose food, habits and other characteristical features are Avidely differ- 
ent, into one and the same tribe, and thereby confounded our perception 
of that beautiful gradation of aflBnity and resemblance, which Nature 
herself seems to have been studious of presei'ving throughout the whole. 
One principal cause of the great diversity of classifications, appears to 
be owing to the neglect, or want of opportunity, in these writers, of 
observing the manners of the living birds, in their unconfined state, and 
in their native countries. As well might philosophers attempt to class 
mankind into their respective religious denominations, by a mere exami- 
nation of their physiognomy, as naturalists to form a correct arrange- 
ment of animals, without a knowledge of these necessary particulars. 
It is only by personal intimacy that we can truly ascertain the char- 
acter of either, more particularly that of the feathered race ; noting 
their particular haunts, modes of constructing their nests, manner of 
flight, seasons of migration, favorite food, and numberless other minu- 
tias, which can only be obtained by frequent excursions in the woods 
and fields, along lakes, shores and rivers ; and require a degree of pa- 
tience and perseverance which nothing but an enthusiastic fondness for 
the pursuit can inspire. 
Of the numerous systems which have been adopted by different wri- 
ters, that published by Dr. Latham, in his "Index Ornithologicus," and 
"General Synopsis of Birds," seems the least subject to the objections 
above-mentioned ; and as, in particularizing the order, genus, &c., to 
which each l:)ird belongs, this system, with some necessary exceptions, 
has been yencralJy followed in the present work, it is judged proper to 
introduce it here, for the information, and occasional consultation of the 
reader. 
TABLE 
OF THE ORDERS AND GENERA OF BIRDS, 
ACCORDING TO LATHAM. 
Index OrniilioJoglcus. Synopsis of Bu ds. 
AVIUM ORDINES. ORDERS OF BIRDS. 
DIV. I. DIV. I. 
I. Arripitres, Rapacious. 
II. Pica>, Pies. 
III. Pnsseres, Passerine. 
IV. Cohimbce, Columbine. 
