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PREFACE. 
After so many excellent works have appeared on 
the Birds of the United States, it may almost appear 
presumptuous, at present, to attempt any addition to the 
list. A compendious and scientific treatise on the sub- 
ject, at a price so reasonable as to permit it to find a 
place in the hands of general readers, seemed, however, 
still a desideratum ; and to supply this defect has been 
a principal object with the author of the present pub- 
lication. 
Besides exploring the ever fruitful field of nature in 
this delightful and fascinating kingdom, every availa- 
ble aid has been employed ; and, as might be expected, 
invaluable assistance has been derived from the labors 
of the immortal Wilson and of the justly celebrated 
Audubon. In the scientific part of the Manual, con- 
stant recurrence has also been had to the useful labors 
of C. L. Bonaparte, Prince of Musignano, and also to 
the well known treatise on European Ornithology by 
the accurate and elaborate Temminck, as well as to 
other authors of established reputation ; such as Bris- 
son, Buffon, Latham, White, and Pennant. 
To a number of obliging friends who have assisted 
him in obtaining specimens, or relations concerning the 
habits of our birds, the author offers his grateful ac- 
knowledgments ; particularly to Charles Pickering, 
M. D., to whom he is indebted for much valuable in- 
