xc 
INTRODUCTIOK. 
birds, and little else than an enthusiast in i®.' 
researches after them, I feel happy to communicate 
my observations to others, probably from the nicte 
principle of self-gratification, that source of so niafj 
even of our most virtuous actions ; but I candidV 
declare, that lucrative views have nothing to do 
the business. In all my wild wood rambles, theS^ 
never were sufficient either to allure me to a sing'^ 
excursion, to discourage me from one, or to engage 
my pen or pencil in the present publication. 
hopes, on this head, are humble enough ; I ask onl^ 
support equal to my merits, and to the laudabili*^ 
of my intentions. I expect no more; I am a®* 
altogether certain even of this. But, leaving 
issue of these matters to futurity, I shall, in 
meantime, comfort myself with the good old adag^ 
Happy are they who expect nothing, for th^/ 
shall not be disappointed.” 
As to the nature of the work, it is intended 
comprehend a description and representation ^ 
every species of our native birds, from the shot^ 
of St Laurence to the mouths of the MississipP'', 
and from the Atlantic ocean to the interior 
Louisiana : these will be engraved in a style super*'’^ 
to any thing of the kind hitherto published ; 
coloured from nature, with the most scrupulo*^ 
adherence to the true tints of the original. , 
