0 
P E E F A C E 
I.v choosing a family of birds foi’ a second Monograph, I Avas induced to make a selection of the Tetraouiuffi, not only on 
account of their A'aried forms and interesting habits, but also for the important part they bear toward man's comfort and happi- 
ness. Although not brilliant in plumage of A'aried colors, like the Pittida;, still few could witness the graceful forms, erect carriage, 
and gallant bearing of the members of this family, Avithout having their admiration excited. The majority of the species are inhab- 
itants of North America, and many of them, through the continued persecutions to which they are subjected, and the want of a 
rigid enforcement of proper laws for their protection, are rapidly disappearing from our land, in a compai’atively short space of time 
to become extinct ; and this AA’as an additional reason to Avrite their history while they were still to be found, and their habits 
observed in their native wilds. 
lutiueuced by such motives, it was Avith no ordinary degree of interest that 1 entered upon my task, and have noAV brought 
the work to a conclusion, embracing Avithin it all the species of the Tetraoninse known to Ornithologists at the present time. 
“ What is writ, is writ ; would it Avere worthier.’' 
> 
In treating of so difficult a group as the Lagopidfe, or Ptarmigan, it aauis absolutely necessary, in order to arrive at just con- 
clusions regarding the identification of the species, that a large number of specimens should be obtained; and I was particularly 
fortunate in receiving the vast collections of these birds made by Mr. Kennicott, during a protracted sojourn in Arctic America, as 
Avell as, thorn various other sources, numerous examples from almost every locality Avhere these birds Avere known to exist; forming 
altogether probably the largest and most complete collection ever brought together. Therefore, after much investigation and study, 
it i.s Avith some degree of confidence that I have designated Avhat have seemed to be good species ; and although my fellow- 
Oruithologists may not agree Avith me in some of my vIcaa^s, yet from the material in my possession it was impossible for me to 
come to any other conclusions than those given in the A'arious articles on this group ; and in several instances record as synonyms 
local forms regarded by many as good species. 
And noAv the pleasing duty devolves upon me, of acknoAvlcdgiug the assistance 1 have received in the prosecution of this work 
from my friends both in this country and in Europe: and first to Prof. S. F. Baird, of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, 
who placed at my disposal all the material relating to this .subject, gathered by the various collectors of the above Institution, 
and Avbo has at all times given every aid in his poAver toward the successful completion of this Monograph; to Mr. John Cassin, 
of Philadelphia, I desire to expre.ss my obfigations for advice regarding the preparation of my plates, and assistance at different 
peiiods chcertully rendered; to Mi‘. Geo. N. Lawrence, Avho alloAvcd me to appropriate for my use auv specimens of these birds 
which his cabinet contained ; to Mr. J. D. Sargeant, of Philadelphia, from whose fine examples of Cauace Canadensis my drawing ^vas 
made , to Mr. Alfred NcAAtou, who sent me a fine series of Ptarmigan from Iceland, AAdiich AA'ere most useful in my' iuAmstigations. 
To Dr. P. L. Sclater; Prof. Sundevall, of Stockholm; W. J. Hays, Esq.; Geo. A. Boardmau, Esq.; Mons. Jules P. Verreaux; Beuj. 
Leadbeater, Esq.; J, G. Bell, Esq.; John Krider, Esq., and others, I Avould here express my thanks for the aid given at A'arious 
times. To John Gould, Esq., AA'ho sent from London many species of this family, together AA'ith his type of the Spitzbergen 
Ptarmigan, for my inspection, I am much indebted. 
The plates furnished by Messrs. Bowen & Co., of Philadelphia, have been prepared Avith the usual care of that AAmll-kuoAvn 
firm; so long celebrated for their .skilful execution in this difficult and delicate branch of art. 
To Mr. C. F. Tholey, I would here state my gratification at the careful manner in which he has lithographed my drawings. 
And now, nothing remains save to express the obligations I feel to those Avho have honored my work Avith their support, 
and with much patience have borne with its necessarily slow issue; whose assistance has encouraged me throughout my labors, 
3iUcl bcGU tliG 11163.113 of ciicibling^ ni6 to Lrin^' tlicui to n, successful tGriiiiiititioii. 
