46 
INTRODUCTION. 
the Deity, we shall see in every part of the work of his hands 
abundant cause to exclaim with the enraptured poet of nature, 
“O Wisdom infinite! Goodness immense! 
And Love that passeth knowledge!” 
In the present volume, the greater part of such of the Waders 
as belong to the territories of the United States, will be found 
delineated and described. This class naturally forms an inter- 
mediate link between the Land birds and the Web-footed, 
partaking, in their form, food and habits, of the characters of 
both; and equally deserving of our regard and admiration. 
Though formed for traversing watery situations, often in com- 
pany with the Swimmers, they differ from these last in one 
circumstance common to Land Birds, the separation of the toes 
nearly to their origin; and in the habit of seldom venturing 
beyond their depth. On the other hand, they are furnished 
with legs of extraordinary length, bare for a considerable space 
above the knees, by the assistance of which they are enabled 
to walk about in the water in pursuit of their prey, where the 
others are obliged to swim; and also with necks of corresponding 
length, by means of which they can search the bottom for food, 
where the others must have recourse to diving. The bills of 
one family (the Herons) are strong, sharp pointed, and of con- 
siderable length; while the flexibility of tbe neck, the rapidity 
of its action, and remarkable acuteness of sight, wonderfully fit 
them for watching, striking, and securing their prey. Those 
whose food consists of more feeble and sluggish insects, that lie 
concealed deeper in the mud, are provided with bills of still 
greater extension, the rounded extremity of which possesses 
such nice sensibility, as to enable its possessor to detect its prey 
the instant it comes in contact with it, though altogether be- 
yond the reach of sight. 
Other families of this same order, formed for traversing the 
sandy sea-beach in search of small shell-fish that lurk just below 
the surface, have the bills and legs necessarily shorter; but 
