viii PREFACE. 



whereby they are distinguished ; and also a concise 

 history of their habits and general importance in 

 Creation. 



The present volume, containing the Natural 

 History of Birds, is based upon the Tabular View 

 arranged by George Eobert Gray, Esq., F.K.S., 

 Director of the Ornithological department of the 

 British Museum, and is in conformity with the 

 classification adopted in our National Collection, to 

 the study of which it will be found a useful guide. 



