INTROD UCTION. 
patfotlage and countenance. From that period, when the Royal Society was eftablilhed, the moft 
happy and fuccefsful refearches into the works of nature have been made, and we every day behold 
the happy efFefts of that philofophy which direfls its efforts to the improvement of geography, 
to the inveftigation of vegetable life, and to the difcovery of the ftrufture, and the qualities of ani- 
mals. They who labour in this extenfive field, where fo much ftill remains to be cultivated, are 
entitled to fome favor from that public, to whofe inftruftion and amufement they devote their 
Iludies and their purfuits. In this point of view, the Author of the prefent work defires to be con- 
fidered. He is not fo unreafonable as to expeft fucf efs, if it be not deferved : but he may truly 
allure his patrons, that no pains (hall be fpared by him to render his performance a curious and well 
executed fyftem of Britifh Ornithology. 
