4 
INTRODUCTION. ' 
these writers, of observing the manners of the living birds, in 
their unconfined state, and in their native countries. As well 
Alight philosophers attempt to class mankind into their respec- 
tive religious denominations, by a mere examination of their 
physiognomy, as naturalists to form a correct arrangement of 
animals, without a knowledge of these necessary particulars. 
It is only by personal intimacy that we can truly ascertain 
the character of either, more particularly that of the feathered 
race; noting their particular haunts, modes of constructing their 
nests, manner of flight, seasons of migration, favourite food, 
and numberless other minutiae, which can only be obtained by 
frequent excursions in the woods and fields, along lakes, shores 
and rivers; and require a degree of patience and perseverance 
which nothing but an enthusiastic fondness for the pursuit can 
inspire. 
Of the numerous systems which have been adopted by diffe- 
rent writers, that published by Dr. Latham, in his ‘‘ Index 
Ornithologicus,” and “ General Synopsis of Birds,” seems the 
least subject to the objections above-mentioned; and as, in par- 
ticularizing the order, genus, &c. to which each bird belongs, 
this system, with some necessary exceptions, has been gene- 
rally followed in the present work, it is judged proper to in- 
troduce it here, for the information, and occasional consultation 
of the reader. 
TABLE 
OF THE ORDERS AND GENERA OF BIRDS, 
ACCORDING TO LATHAM. 
Ind. Orn. 
Syn. of Birds. 
AVIUM ORDINES. 
DIV. I. 
I. tdccipitres 
ORDERS OF BIRDS. 
II. Picse 
III. Passeres 
IV. Columbse 
DIV. I. 
Rapacious 
Pies 
Passerine 
Columbine 
