ADV ERTISEMENT. 
I N issuing the present little treatise, the publisher would say a word respecting its 
character and the manner in which it has been composed. He is fully aware of 
the limited nature of the work, when compared with the boundless science of which 
it forms a part, and would have cheerfully extended the subject had he believed the 
wants and economy of the American public required it. To those who wish further 
to pursue the subject, he would recommend the more elaborate treatises of Audubon, 
Wilson, Bonaparte, Nuttall, and Dekay, for Ameriean birds, and particularly the works 
of Dr. Bechstein for the birds of Europe. 
An intimate knowledge of Natural History, being an enthusiastic lover of the 
feathered tribes, having been familiar with them from his earliest childhood, has 
well qualified Mr. Browne for writing this, and if necessary, an extensive work. He 
will doubtless be recollected by many as the editor of u The Naturalist,” a monthly 
periodical, published in Boston some twenty years ago, and more recently as the 
author of the li American Poultry Yard” and of a treatise on American trees 
Within the above-named period, he has travelled and resided for a considerable 
time in various parts of North and South America, the West Indies, Europe, and 
Western Africa, (having passed several months at the Canary Islands,) for the express 
purpose of investigating, among other objects, the natural features of th countries, 
where he had ample opportunities for studying the habits of birds both in a state of 
nature, and in confinement, the most advantageous means of procuring them, and the 
proper mode of feeding and maintaining them in health. 
In order that the author may not be accused of the reproach of wearing “ bor¬ 
rowed plumes,” it is hereby candidly confessed that he has made a free use of the 
writings of Audubon, Nuttall, and particularly those of Dr. Bechstein, as well as of the 
“ Boy’s Treasury of Sports,” without giving them, in numerous instances, such credit 
as the punctilious critic would seem to demand. Be this tis it may, the author has 
endeavored not to deviate from established custom, except in cases where he deemed 
it expedient to change the language, in part, for the sake of brevity, elucidation, or 
Americanising the subject, or adapting it to our climate, economy, and social con¬ 
dition. Much of the matter, how r ever, and several of the illustrations, he claims to 
be original. 
The publisher, therefore, confidently presents the “ American Bird Fancier” to 
the public with the full belief that it containes such information on the subject, as the 
taste and economy of our fail *ountry women and their children require. 
0. M. SAXTON. 
New York, March 20, 1850. 
