/ Q Li C 



INTRODUCTION. 



THE principal object of the present Catalogue has been to 

 give a complete list of the specimens of Birds contained in 

 the collection of the British Museum, indicating at the same 

 time the peculiarities of each, as regards age, sex, habitation, 

 and the source from whence it has been derived. 



With this view the different individuals of each species 

 contained in the collection are indicated by the letters , b, c, 

 &c., following the name of the species, and its synonyma. 



These particulars are followed by the habitat, which is 

 given as particularly as the materials possessed by the 

 Museum permit ; but, as many specimens have been pro- 

 cured from dealers, it is often impossible to give the place 

 from whence they are derived, except in the most general 

 terms. 



When the age of the specimen is not stated, it is to be 

 understood that it is supposed to be full-grown, or nearly 

 so ; when otherwise, its state is marked ; and if there is any 

 difference by which the sexes are readily distinguishable, or 

 if the point be absolutely ascertained, the specimen is stated 

 to be male or female. 



Those specimens which have been presented to the Mu- 

 seum have the name of the donor ; and in general the col- 

 lection from whence the specimen has been purchased, or 

 procured in exchange, is also marked, as it often gives some 

 authenticity to its history. 



M366942 



