4 
Under “Distribution" it has been deemed best to give the distribution 
in such general and well-understood terms that all may get at least a general 
conception of the ranges of the species. The result may be a little vague 
owing to the lack of sharply-defined boundaries of the ranges, but the 
centres of distribution are made clear. For definite ranges the reader is 
referred to the “Catalogue of Canadian Birds" by John and James M. 
Macoun, issued by this department in 1909. 
In the paragraphs in larger type as many facts of general interest 
relating to the species have been included as the importance of the species 
warrants. In the descriptions of the various species are discussions of 
numerous matters and statements of general laws governing zoological 
life are made. Many of these apply to a number of species and some might 
well be included under each specific heading were it not for the constant 
repetition that it would necessitate. An attempt has been made to encour- 
age a wholesome protective attitude from aesthetic, humane, and economic 
points of view without over emphasizing any of them. 
Throughout it has been the endeavour to avoid the use of technical 
terms, substituting familiar words wherever possible. Some technical 
terms, however, have no general vernacular equivalent and a glossary of 
these is given on page 353. 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 
The writer wishes to acknowledge valuable assistance received in the 
course of his work from the following sources: 
Major Allan Brooks, who has not only made most of the excellent 
coloured illustrations but has been a constant source of inspiration and, 
information to the writer. He has read over the entire manuscript and, 
owing to his wide experience and accurate knowledge of western birds, has 
been able to supply much valuable information. It is only just to him to 
say that he does not always agree with the writer in the taxonomic views 
presented. 
Mr. Hoyes Lloyd, who has also read the manuscript with great care 
and has been of great assistance in eliminating doubtful constructions and 
unfelicitous expressions, besides giving other valuable advice. 
Mr. Louis Agassiz Fuertes, who assisted with his invaluable knowledge 
in the preparation of the hawk outlines and figures. If these are successful 
as guides to identity in life, the credit will be largely due to his generously 
given criticism and advice. 
Mr. Hamilton M. Laing, who supplied much information on the ducks 
of the prairies, especially from the sportsman’s standpoint. The quotations 
under those species are from his pen. 
CLASSIFICATION 
The first step in any science is that of classification. The present 
system of generic grouping of species was first advanced by Linnaeus in 
his epoch-making “Systema-Naturse” and has since been followed con- 
sistently by zoologists. By this, species are grouped together in genera 
according to fundamental structural relationships and not accidental 
resemblances. The fact that upon the discovery of the laws of evolution 
these relationships were found to agree with lines of descent proved the 
logic of the system and gave it an added meaning. Thus the various 
