PROSPECTUS. vii 



has been in these days very generally condemned, as tending 

 to confound all correct notions of Geographical Distribution. 

 The Editok, however, does not think himself warranted in 

 rejecting any of the species falling under this category which 

 have been recognized by Mr. Yareell, but the claims for 

 admission of new ones will be carefully scrutinized. And, 

 that he may not appear capricious in his choice, the Editor 

 wishes to state, that of the land-birds lately recorded as 

 having occurred in Britain, it is his intention only to include 

 those which belong to that great zoo-geographical region of 

 the Old World of which the British Islands form a portion. 



The scientific names of the birds used by Mr. Yarrell 

 will be retained, for the convenience of those who are 

 accustomed to them, but it is the intention of the Editor 

 also to prefix names in accordance, as far as possible, with 

 the code of Rules for Zoological Nomenclature adopted by 

 the British Association for the Advancement of Science — a 

 code, the chief principles of which were admitted by Mr. 

 Yarrell himself. It is hoped that, by following these 

 rules, a more uniform practice than now exists may- be 

 ultimately reached, and even numerous synonyms which in 

 the case of many common species at present perplex the 

 most scientific ornithologists, may eventually disappear. 



In conclusion, the Editor has to observe, that while on 

 his part no trustworthy source of information shall be wil- 

 lingly neglected, he will be glad to receive any commu- 

 nications likely to be of use in elucidating the " History 

 of British Birds." 



London, March, 1871. 



