PEEFACE. 



A WORK like llie 'Hand-list of the Geuera aud Species of Birds' falls 

 short of fulfilling its purpose so long as it deals with a jnirt, even 

 though it be the larger part, of the subject that comes witliin ils 

 scope. The completion of the present work is accordingly a matter 

 for congratulation, and it is hoped that the 'Hand-list' will advance 

 the study of Ornithology by facilitating reference to the enormous 

 and ever-increasing literature of the subject. 



It is a pleasant duty to acknowledge tlie assistance wiiich has been 

 given to the author by the leading ornithologists of the world, and I 

 fully endorse Dr. Sharpe's expression of gratitude to the friends m ho 

 have lielped him in his difficult task, 



SIDNEY r. HAEMER, 



British :\Iuseuin (N:iturul History), KcejU'r of Zuoloi/i/. 



London, August, I'JO'O. 



