ADVERTISEMENT. 
.Among the various embellifhments which adorn and ' 
enliven the face of Nature, the numerous tribe of 
Singing Birds is not one of the lead interefting j 
we need not therefore wonder, that mankind fhould 
annex a proportionable value to this beautiful part 
of the creation, which contributes fo largely to al- 
leviate and footh his labours in the field, or to ex- 
hilarate his hours of tedioufnefs and of laffitude in 
the clofet ; nay, it is not improbable, that to the 
melodious notes of thofe natural muficians, he was 
indebted for his firfl ideas of mafic. We find, ac- 
cordingly, that the estimation they are held in is 
equally ancient and univerfal, and that In all coun- 
tries where civilization had made any advances. 
Singing Birds became no inconfiderable article of 
luxury. Tropical climates produce a race remark- 
able for brilliancy and variety of feather; they are, 
however, furpafled in fong by the natives of colder 
regions ; but our own country perhaps exceeds every 
other, in producing birds unrivalled for the flrength, 
fweetnefs, and modulation of their notes. As there- 
fore the fuperlntendanee of thefe in a domeftic 
Ifcate forms fo -delightful and innocent a recreation, 
the Editor of the following, little work thinks any 
apology unneceflary for offering it to the pubi c. A 
concife, accu r ate, and well-digefled account of the 
hilTory and management of Singing B’rds feemed 
tD: be much wanted; that deficiency is now at- 
a. 
