s will largely depend upon accuracy
of observation and a careful application of the points which it suggests.

Shore and water birds have been omitted--first, in order to keep the key
as simple as possible; second, because quite full descriptions of these
birds are given in the "Particular Hints;" and, third, for the reason
that beginners, as a rule, meet with far better success by becoming
familiar with the common land birds before attempting the study of water
and shore birds.

EXPLANATIONS.

1. The heading, "Dull Colors," includes all shades of gray or olive, very
dull dark-brown and black not showing conspicuous iridescence. Birds in
this group are very rarely streaked or spotted, never barred and seldom
show any trace of bright colors.

2. To make the key compact and to avoid referring to the index the birds
are indicated by their respective numbers as given under "Particular
Hints."

3. Females differing greatly _in coloration_ from the males are denoted
by heavy figures. Differences in markings are taken into account only
when the female is particularly obscure or liable to be mistaken for
another species.

4. Every bird appears once under the first six general headings, and a
few twice, some of which come under apparently contradictory headings in
order to cover incomplete as well as complete observations. For example,
the _Robin_ has a streaked throat and the _Fox Sparrow_ an indistinctly
streaked back, both inconspicuous points, often overlooked in the field,
yet useful if complete observations have been made. Again, the
_Yellow-bellied Flycatcher_, though brighter colored than most of its
kind, would scarcely be described as having either brilliant or very dull
plumage, and is therefore difficult to tabulate exclusively in one place.

HOW TO USE THE KEY.

Two illustrations will most briefly indicate the easiest method of using
the key--

_Observation:_ A dull-colored bird of medium size, nearer six inches than
ten, much streaked all over, showing nothing distinctive unless a kind of
spot on the breast. Turning to the key, pass by "_Bright Colors_,"
"_Iridescent_" and "_Dull Colors_," choosing "_Streaked, Barred or
Spotted._" Not being sure of the size, it may be necessary to try all the
birds between "6 and 10 inches," as well as those "less than 6 inches."
Before going to so much trouble, however, pass on to "_Under Parts_" and