PREFACSH, Vi 
Those who are responsible for issuing these volumes may 
well congratulate themselves on having secured the services 
of Mr. E. C. Stuart Baker. Mr. Baker is well known to 
all those in India who take an interest in ornithology and 
big game shooting. He is equally known to Ornithologists 
all over the world as a regular contributor for more than 
thirty years to the “Ibis” and ‘ Bombay Natural History 
Society’s Journal.” His volumes on Indian Game Birds are 
standard works and all who read these pages will recog- 
nise in his vivid descriptions of the habits and song of birds 
the work of a first-hand authority. 
The author has produced a work which combines the 
highest scientific standard with a system which readily 
enables the sportsman or amateur to identify the various 
birds of British India. He has himself drawn attention to 
the imperative need of the trinominal system of nomen- 
clature and he has modernised the generic and_ specific 
names in accordance with the rules of the International 
Congress. 
In some cases it will be noticed that there is no name 
following the words “vernacular names.” In these cases 
none have been recorded, but it is hoped that sportsmen and 
naturalists in India may in time be able to fill up these 
blanks. The extremely accurate and living drawings for the 
plates are the work of the author. They have been 
admirably reproduced by Messrs. Bale & Danielsson. 
7th July, 1922. AH SET URN: 
