PREFACE. 



THE present volume is the first of a series in which it 

 is proposed to give an account of the Fauna of Africa south 

 of the Zambesi and Cunene Rivers. 



It relates to the Passerine Birds, and contains descrip- 

 tions of twelve out of the twenty South African families, 

 and their constituent species. 



This portion of the "Fauna" has been undertaken by 

 Dr. A. C. Stark, who, besides being well acquainted with 

 the literature of the subject, has spent a considerable time 

 in various parts of the country to which it relates, and has 

 had excellent opportunities of observing the birds in their 

 native haunts. 



W. L. S. 



South African Museum, Capetown. 



