PREFACE. 



This volume is published in advance of the sixteenth and seven- 

 teenth, the manuscripts of which, however, are in course of prepa- 

 ration. Its early appearance is due to the fortunate circumstance 

 that it was undertaken bj' Mr. Hargitt, who for many years has 

 made the family of Woodpeckers the subject of his special study : 

 I have great pleasure in acknowledging the unremitting and con- 

 scientious care which he has bestowed on the details of every portion 

 of the work throughout its progress. 



Beside those benefactors who have so largely contributed to the 

 general collection of Birds in the Museum, and whose names occur 

 on almost every page of this work, I have to refer to the donations 

 by L. Wray, Jr., Esq., H. C. V. Hunter, Esq., and F. J. Jackson, 

 Esq., which were specially useful in the preparation of the present 

 volume. 



ALBERT GUNTHER, 



Keeper of the Department of Zoology. 



British Museum (N. H.), 

 June 9, 1890. 



