PREFACE. vii 
the whole of the description, before arriving at a con- 
clusion. 
To a detailed description of the various plumages 
have been added brief notes upon the Dzstrzbution and 
Fflabitat of each species. 
The dimensions given are necessarily only approxi- 
mate, the influence of geographical situation, age, sex, 
&c., causing considerable variation. 
For the convenience of those unacquainted with Orni- 
thological technical terms, a Frontispiece, illustrating 
the outlines of a bird, and showing the names of the 
various parts, has been prepared. 
The grateful thanks of the Author are due to those 
who have, either by the loan of books and specimens, or 
by their kind advice, aided him in his work, which has 
been no light one; but, as “in the multitude of coun- 
sellors there is wisdom,” so, by the kindness and co- 
operation of fellow-workers,the labour has been materially 
lightened. 
Should this little volume (with all its faults) prove of 
value to ornithologists, more especially to those travelling 
abroad, and in any small degree assist them in their 
studies, the aim of the writer will have been accom- 
plished. 
JAMES BACKHOUSE, Jun. 
WEsT BANK, YORK, Mar., 189o. 
