r R 1-: F ACE. 



TuK Committee to which the editorial functions of 

 The South Africax Orniteiologists' Uniox have been 

 entrusted feels the greatest pleasure in the issue of 

 this the first number of the Journal of the Society. 



It is sincerely hoped that this volume may be 

 the precursor of a long series, useful alike to the 

 student of South African Avifauna and to Orni- 

 tliok)gists throughout the world. 



The object of the Journal is to promote and 

 foster the study of a branch of science which, 

 perhaps more than any olher, combines pleasure 

 and physical and mental exercise with practical and 

 scientific utility. 



The only apology which it is felt must be made 

 at this first issue is one which must be tendered not 

 only by the Editorial Committee but by all South 

 Africa — namely, that it is the first. 



W. L. SC LATER. 

 J. W. B. GUNNING. 

 J. A. BUCKNILL. 



}st March, 1905. 



