PREFACE. 



The first ' Hand-list ' of Birds was compiled by the late George Robert 

 Gray, and published by the Trustees of the British Museum in three 

 parts, in the years 1869, 1870, and 1871. This work has long been 

 out of print, and the time seems to have come when a new Hand- 

 list would be of advantage to working ornithologists. 



This new ' Hand-list ' has been wTitten by Dr. R. Bowdler Sharpe, 

 the author of the greater part of the ' Catalogue of Birds.' To the 

 latter work reference is made throughout, and the ' Hand-list ' is 

 avowedly founded upon the ' Catalogue ' ; but the new species described 

 since the publication of the twenty-seven volumes which comprise the 

 latter work will be here included, so as to bring the list of the known 

 species of birds up to date. 



I thoroughly endorse the author's remarks as to the value of the 

 co-operation which he has received from distinguished ornithologists in 

 this and other countries. The desire which has been evinced by so many 

 ornithologists to make this new 'Hand-list' complete will be fully 

 appreciated by all those who desire the progress of Zoological Science. 



E. RAY LA^'KESTER, 

 Director, 

 Natural ITistonj Departments, 

 J.il^ \-2, 1809. British Museum. 



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