j; ^ PREFACE. 
fanity, of those who have censured as rude, defective or deformed, 
whatever, in those and other organized beings, accorded not with 
their narrow conceptions ; let it be ours to search with humility 
into the intention of those particular conformations ; and thus, en- 
tering as it were into the designs of the Deity, we shall see in every 
part of the work of his hands abundant cause to exclaim with the 
enraplured 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 de- 
lineated and described. This class naturally forms an interme- 
diate 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. Tho formed for 
traversing watery situations, often in company 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 arc 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. 
