180 209 219 222 229 231 EDITOR'S PREFACE. IN preparing for the press this edition of Wilson's Ornithology, the editor has adhered to the original text, correcting only some erroneous references, and a few verbal inaccuracies, most of which were probably typographical errors. Wilson, in his introduction, mentions its being desirable, that the birds should be arranged scientifically; and takes notice of the causes, that rendered it, at that time, impracticable. In fact, he was obliged to figure and describe his birds, nearly in the order in which he obtained them; and was, therefore, often compelled to place together those of the most dissimilar habits and characters, and to separate the male and female of the same species. In arranging them in proper order, the editor believes that he is merely accomplishing that, which the author himself would have done, had he lived to prepare another edition. That the value of the work is thus much enhanced, is too evident to require comment. The classification of Latham having been adopted by Wilson, has been followed by the editor, not because he considers it the best, but for the reason just mentioned; and also because there has not been any arrangement, hitherto proposed, entirely free from objections. In the notes, however, the most important recent improvements in classification have been pointed out; the errors committed by Wilson, in consequence of his not being able to procure specimens for comparison, and books for reference, have been corrected; and additional synonymes given. For these improvements, the editor must acknowledge himself to be, in great measure, indebted to the "Observations on the Nomenclature of Wilson's Ornithology, by Charles L. Bonaparte," in the Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, volumes III and IV; the "Synopsis of the Birds of the United States," by the same author, in the Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York; but principally to George Ord, Esq. the friend and associate of Wilson, who has kindly afforded his valuable counsel and assistance, and has added some highly interesting notes. Mr. Ord has likewise permitted the birds, contained in his supplementary volume, to be incorporated with, and his sketch of the life of Wilson to be prefixed to, the work. The original plates, engraved under the eye of Wilson, are employed in this edition, after having been carefully examined and retouched by Mr. Alexander Lawson, by whom most of them were executed; and who as an engraver of objects of natural history, stands unrivalled. The birds have been coloured by skilful artists, from recent specimens, or from the beautiful preparations belonging to the Philadelphia Museum. The improvements made in the arts within the last few years, have removed many of the difficulties that Wilson encountered in this department; and it is therefore confidently believed that in the permanency, brilliancy and accuracy of the colouring, the plates of the present edition are, at least, not inferior to those of the original. PREFACE ΤΟ THE LIFE OF WILSON. In the preface to the first edition of this biographical sketch, the motives of the publication are stated, and the peculiar circumstances under which its author was placed, in respect to materials, are detailed; there is, therefore, no need of repeating them. It has been thought proper to augment the volume, by a selection from the series of interesting letters, which were put into the writer's hands by some of Wilson's personal friends, who were anxious that these memorials should not be lost. It may be, perhaps, objected, that some of them are of too trifling a nature for publication; but let it be observed that they all, more or less, tend to throw light upon the employments, and peculiarities of character, of an individual of no every day occurrence; one of those to whose genius we would render homage, and the memory of whom we delight to cherish. For the particulars of Wilson's early life, the writer has been indebted to a narrative, in manuscript, which was communicated to him by Mr. William Duncan. This information, coming from a nephew of Wilson's, and his confidential friend for many years, must be deemed authentic; and we have to regret that the plan and limits of our publication, did not allow us to make a freer use of what was so kindly placed at our disposal. To Mr. Duncan, Mr. Miller, and Mr. Lawson, the writer owes many obligations, for the promptitude with which they intrusted to him their letters; and his acknowledgments are equally due to Colonel Robert Carr, who furnished him with the letters to the late William Bartram. The friendship which subsisted between Wilson and the latter was of the most exalted kind; and the warm expression of confidence and regard which characterize these letters, will afford a proof of how much of the writer's happiness was derived from this amiable intercourse. The reader's obligations to Colonel Carr will not be lessened, when it is sta ted, that the greater part of these interesting epistles were mislaid during the latter days of the venerable botanist to whom they were addressed; and that it was through the care of the abovementioned gentleman they were rescued from oblivion. It will be long ere the lovers of science will cease to deplore the event, which snatched from us one so eminently gifted for natural investigations, by his zeal, his industry, his activity, and his intelligence; one who, after a successful prosecution of his great undertaking through a series of eventful years, was deprived of his merited reward, at the moment when he was about putting the finishing hand to those labours, which have secured to him an imperishable renown. "The hand of death," says Pliny, "is ever, in my estimation, too severe, and too sudden, when it falls upon such as are employed in some immortal work. The sons of sensuality, who have no other views beyond the present hour, terminate with each day the whole purpose of their lives; but those who look forward to posterity, and endeavour to extend their memories to future generations by useful labours;to such, death is always immature, as it still snatches them from amidst some unfinished design." But although that Being, who so often frustrates human purposes, thought proper, in his wisdom, to terminate the "unfinished design" of our lamented friend, yet were his aspirations after an honourable distinction in society fully answered. The poor despised weaver of Paisley takes his rank among the writers of our country; and after ages shall look up to the Father of American Ornithology, and bless that Providence, which, by inscrutable ways, led him to the only spot, perhaps, of the civilized earth, where his extraordinary talents would be encouraged to develop themselves, and his estimable qualities of heart would be duly appreciated. Wilson has proved to us what genius and industry can effect in despite of obstacles, which men of ordinary abilities would consider insurmountable. His example will not be disregarded; and his success will be productive of benefits, the extent of which cannot now be estimated. |