PREFACE. 



XI 



only to be expected that the close study involved in the 

 preparation of the " Catalogue of Birds " would result in the 

 discovery of new genera, but there is a sure test as regards 

 the calibre of our work in store for Canon Tristram, for 

 myself, and for every other writer. Future generations will 

 judge the value of our labours, and that which is good will 

 be preserved, and that which is bad will be cast into outer 

 darkness. 



I have to thank Mr. Howard Saunders, Mr. W. E. de 

 Winton, and Mr. Robert Read for assisting me with notes for 

 the present volume, and special acknowledgments are due to 

 Count Salvador! for the notes he has given me on the Ducks 

 and Geese. 



R. BOWDLER SHARPE. 



