A new edition of my Natural History of Cage Birds having been called
for, I have made many additions and improvements in the work, as will
appear on comparison. Some have alleged that I have been too diffuse in
my descriptions, and others find fault that I have introduced birds
difficult to tame, such as the gold-crested wren and the common wren. In
the latter case, at least, the most ample details are excusable, as the
birds require more care; yet I know several amateurs who always have one
or two wrens flying about a room, or in a cage, and to let loose so
delicate a little bird as the gold-crested wren always gives great
pleasure. Besides, the minutest detail can never, in such cases, do any
harm. I have likewise added some foreign birds, several of which have
been but recently introduced in this country by bird dealers.
DREISSACKER,
_November, 1812_.