To THE 
Rev. Mr. PETER S. 
REVD- and HO No- SIR. 
Permit me to have the honour of dedicating to you this Oecumenical Hiftory of 
firitifli Birds, illuftrated by coloured engravings copied from the originals. Vain would be my at- 
tempt to difplay your excellence in that noble art which you adorn, and in which the confent of 
mankind have already raifed you to a diftinguilhed pre-eminence. I might juftly incur the fufpicion 
of unfeafonable adulation, or of a needlefs repetition of praifes which the public voice has fo fre- 
quently beftowed. But although I may not be qualified to defcribe your profeffional merit, the feel- 
ings of my heart will not fuffer me to bury in filence, the kind offices, and the marks of benevo- 
lence which I have fo often experienced from you. The contemplation of thefe awakens my warmeft 
gratitude ; and while I indulge fome faint hope of enjoying your approbation in the prefent un- 
dertaking, I cannot avoid informing the world of that great refpeft with which I am, 
Reverend Sir, 
Your mo/l obliged 
and faithful 
humble Servant, 
THOMAS LORD. 
No. I. 
B 
