PREFACE. 



With the conclusion of the fifth volume of the 

 Seventh Series of 'The Ibis' the Editors realize 

 that another twelvemonth will see the end of their 

 work in their present capacity. It is not probable 

 that either of them will be able to undertake the 

 Editorship of another Series, and they hope that 

 younger and more active persons may be found to 

 guide this Journal through its Eighth Series. The 

 Committee of the B.O.U. will be glad to receive 

 communications upon this subject. In the meanwhile 

 the Editors may say that prosperity is evident in every 

 branch of the work of the Union. There is certainly 

 no lack of excellent contributors in every branch of 

 Ornithology, and there are no symptoms of cessation 

 in the discovery of novelties in bird-life required to 

 furnish subjects for the pencil of the artist. The 

 revenue of the Union is also quite sufficient to 

 maintain the existence of the Journal in its present 

 form ; and it may reasonably be expected that a 

 competent Editor will not be wanting when the fast 

 approaching time arrives for a new appointment. 



P. L. S. 

 H. S. 



3 Hanover Square, 

 October 1st, 1899. 



