268 
APPENDIX. 
seem to me to be those of Mr Selby and Mr Yarrell, and the 
British Birds of Sir William Jardine, in Mr Lazars’ useful 
Naturalist’s Library. The country has now been so well 
explored, that very few additional species can ever be met 
with ; yet the number that has been unexpectedly added to 
the list of late years may possibly be yet increased by 
equally unexpected species. 
I have now accomplished my task, which has cost me not 
a little trouble. Whatever my fellow-labourers may think of 
it, I feel that I can conscientiously recommend it to the 
student, and am assured that, imperfect as it must neces- 
sarily be, it will be found useful in promoting a study cal- 
culated to afford much delight, with as little pain as we 
usually find accompanying the most harmless of human pur- 
suits. It is most gratifying to me to know that I have 
afforded aid to many individuals in their endeavours to ob- 
tain some knowledge of the natural objects which present 
themselves wherever we direct our view ; and that neither 
the neglect, contumely, and opposition which I have expe- 
rienced have abated my ardour in the pursuit of knowledge, 
nor the approbation, esteem, and aid which many have ge- 
nerously accorded, have tended to foster the arrogance and 
self-esteem which are very apt to flourish luxuriantly, under 
such circumstances, in the human heart. To ornithological 
friends I offer my grateful thanks, to authors whose works 
have aided me my best wishes, and to the students who may 
use the present manual my advice to lay it aside whenever 
they find one better adapted for their purpose. 
W. MacGxllxvray. 
Marischal College, Aberdeen, 
5th April , 1842. 
