VI. 



which the natural hue cannot be accurately known by an 

 examination of stuffed specimens only. Fifthly, although, as 

 these pages are primarily intended for the use of visitors to 

 the Museum, I have not thought it needful (with the above 

 exception) to describe the form, size, or coloui" of the birds 

 which may there be seen ; I have given, for the convenience 

 of readers at a distance, should these pages be perused by 

 any such, a reference to one or more plates of each species 

 and of its egg, in every instance in which I have been 

 able satisfactorily to do so. 



In conclusion, I have only to add that, as the follo-sving 

 pages contain very little original matter, I have done my 

 best to insure that their contents, if not original, should at 

 least be accurate. With this view I have, as far as possible, 

 abstained from inserting any statements of the correctness 

 of which I have felt at all doubtful — and whenever I have 

 deviated from this rule, I have indicated in the text any 

 doubts which I have entertained. 



I postpone till the completion of this Catalogue a 

 reference to the authors from whose works I have drawn my 

 principal materials, and also my acknowledgments to those 

 ornithological friends to whose kind assistance I have been 

 greatly indebted in studjong the ISTatui-al Histoiy of the Birds 

 of Prey, and in aiTanging the collection to ^^'hich these pages 

 are intended to refer. 



