PREFACE. 



It was not witliout hesitation that, in compliance 

 with the request of my valued friend and predecessor 

 Professor Newton, I offered my services as Editor 

 of a Third Series of this Journal, when he from 

 pressure of other engagements was obliged to re- 

 sign the post. I felt considerable diffidence in my 

 powers to carry on ' The Ibis ' with ability at all 

 equal to that which has supported it during the 

 twelve years of its existence. 



Though I trust that fewer defects will be found 

 in future Volumes, I still hope that the present 

 one may not be considered unworthy of those that 

 have appeared before it. 



My best thanks are due for the assistance I have 

 received from many quarters ; but to Mr. Sclater 

 I owe a special debt for cordial and ready help, of 

 which I have not hesitated very frequently to 

 avail myself. 



O. S. 



32 The Grove, Boltons, London. 

 September 1871. 



