IV PEEFACE. 



ancient name had been applied ; and reference is made to the work 

 in which, and the date when, such name, or definition of genus and 

 species, was published. 



Under each species there have been appended all the scientific 

 names under which the bird has been mentioned since the estab- 

 lishment of the Linnean system and nomenclature ; and references 

 are given to the works in which these were first used, and espe- 

 cially to the various works treating on British animals in which they 

 are mentioned, as well as to the various other works on Ornitho- 

 logy which it was thought might prove of use in establishing the 

 identity of species foimd in other parts of the world. These are 

 followed by references to a few of the best of the original figures 

 of the species, 



JOHN EDWAED GRAY. 



British Museum, 

 Oct. 1, 18G3. 



