PREFATORY NOTE. 



The following work has been divided into three parts: (1) a review 

 of the species of birds collected or observed by me on the Commander 

 Islands and at Petropaulski, Kamtschatka ; (2) a synopsis of the birds 

 reported to inhabit Kamtschatka, and (3) conclusions. The first and 

 third parts are eminently the "results of my explorations", while the 

 second part is more the " results of my investigations " ; however, as 

 it is a necessary base for the "conclusions" it has been thought desir- 

 able to incorporate it, the more so since it is the first attempt of a com- 

 plete list of the birds known to have been observed in Kamtschatka. 



The systematical nomenclature will be found to deviate not inconsid- 

 erably from the one usually adopted in the publications treating of the 

 region in question. The reason is a twofold one, for in identifymg the 

 birds I have been anxious not to lump together nearly-related forms, re- 

 presentative species, subspecies, local races, migrating-route races, or 

 whichever they are termed, giving the separation the benefit of the doubt 

 whenever there be a doubt, it being my scientific creed that this is the least 

 harmful course. In naming the forms thus identified I have strictly ad- 

 hered to the rules laid down by the " American Ornithologists' Union." 

 For changes in nomenclature of that origin I am, therefore, only partly 

 responsible, and eventual critics should not charge against me " the 

 pleasure of bringing forward " tliese changes, which are the necessary 

 results of the consistent application of the only sound principle upon 

 which a scientific nomenclature can be based. The systematical ar- 

 rangement is that which I proposed in "Science Record" 1884, p. 155, 

 with a few modifications. 



The measurements are given in millimeters. The "total length" is 

 measured by laying the fresh bird on its back on the table in a natural 

 position without stretching its neck, marking the tips of the bill and of 

 the tail on the table, and measuring the distance between the two points. 

 The length of the " tail feathers " is given instead of that of the " tail," the 

 measure being taken by thrusting one arm of the dividers between the 

 two central tail-feathers to their insertion, measuring from that point to 



