INTRODUCTION. 
Our object being rather to furnish the reader with 
rational and interesting facts, than systematic ar- 
rangements, it is not intended to treat the subject 
of Ornithology* scientifically. But, at a period 
when the education of every class of the commu- 
nity is rapidly improving, and when the minds of 
the rising generation are in a state of advancement, 
which will fit them for that more perfect knowledge, 
which, in the preparation of elementary books, 
ought always to be kept in view, it is of importance 
that even the simplest work should be arranged and 
founded, in some degree, on scientific principles. 
We shall, therefore, commence with a few introduc- 
tory remarks, on those peculiar features in the 
formation and habits of Birds, by which they are 
distinguished from other branches of the animal crea- 
tion; evincing as they do that uniform and beautiful 
adaptation of means to the accomplishment of certain 
ends, wdiich characterize every branch of the creation; 
each in its respective perfection proving beyond 
contradiction, that as “ the works of the Lord are 
manifold, so in wisdom hath he made them all/' 
The visible creation, it has been well said, was 
Adam’s library. There may be times, places, and 
occasions, in which a page out of a book in that 
library may impart, not only instruction to the head, 
but consolation to the heart. When that persevering 
* From ornis and logos , two Greek words, signifying the 
knowledge of birds. 
VOL. i. 
B 
