INTRODUCTION. 
In the commencement of a work of such magnitude? 
and so novel in this country, some account will 
necessarily be expected, of the motives of the 
author, and of the nature and intended execution 
of the work. As to the former of these, it is 
respectfully submitted, that, amusement blended 
with instruction, the correction of numerous errors 
which have been introduced into this part of the 
natural history of our country, and a wish to draw 
the attention of my fellow-citizens, occasionally, 
from the discordant jarrings of politics, to a con- 
templation of the grandeur, harmony, and wonderful 
variety of nature, exhibited in this beautiful portion 
of the animal creation, are my principal, and almost 
only motives, in the present undertaking. I will 
not deny that there may also be other incitements. 
Biassed, almost from infancy, by a fondness for 
