To THE Eight Honorable 



The earl of ELGIN and KINCARDINE, 



K. T., G. C. B., AND K. S. I., 

 Viceroy and Governor General of India. 



May it please your Excellency; 



Tee following pages, which contain a portion 

 of my observations on the Natural History of this Country, 

 could not be more appropriately dedicated than to the 

 head of the Government of India, under whose auspices, 

 and by whose assistance, the Work has been undertaken. 



It has, therefore, been to me a source of high gratification 

 that your Lordship's permission has authorized me to lay 

 before your Excellency this contribution to the knowledo-e 

 of the Birds of India. 



I am, with great respect, 

 Your Excellency's most obedient servant, 

 T. C. Jerdon, 



Calcutta, 1862. Surgeon Major. 



