il PREFACE. 
of information, and so facilitate the direction of research into the proper 
channels. Mr. Hume’s work, when published, and, it is to be hoped, it 
soon will be, should be in the hands of every lover of Natural History in 
this country. 
No details are here given as to the materials and apparatus necessary 
in forming a collection and in preparing and preserving specimens: those 
who wish to commence collections of eggs or of skins of birds, will find 
all information as to details in Mr. Hume’s “ Inpran OrnITHOLOGICAL 
Cotiecror’s Vapr-Mercvum,” a most useful little book published by the 
Caleutta Central Press Company (5, Council House Street, Calcutta), 
and priced one rupee: but with reference to collections of eggs, 
it is necessary to repeat here that eggs are scientifically worthless as 
specimens, unless the species of bird to which they belong has been 
accurately ascertained ; and to do this effectually it is necessary for all 
except the most practised observers that the skin of the parent bird 
should be in all cases obtained and preserved. 
If ege collectors, into whose hands this book may come, would 
kindly communicate to me any notes they may make from their own 
experience in correction or extension of the information now recorded, 
it would confer a great obligation on me, and enable me, in case a second 
edition may be required, to render it more complete and satisfactory than 
T am able to do in the present case. 
The list of birds in Part II serves as an index, the order of arrange- 
ment followed by Jerdon is adopted, and having ascertained from this 
list the months in which any particular bird breeds, the further details 
required will be found on reference to the lists for those months. 
