11 PREFACE. 



of information, and so facilitate the direction of research into the proper 

 channels. Mr. Hume's work, when published, and, it is to be hoped, it 

 soon will be, should be in the hands of every lover of Natural History in 

 this country. 



No details are here given as to the materials and apparatus necessary 

 in forming 1 a collection and in preparing and preserving specimens : those 

 who wish to commence collections of eggs or of skins of birds, will find 

 all information as to details in Mr. Hume's tc INDIAN ORNITHOLOGICAL 

 COLLECTOR'S VADE-MECUM," a most useful little book published by the 

 Calcutta Central Press Company (5, Council House Street, Calcutta), 

 and priced one rupee: .but with reference to collections of eggs, 

 it is necessary to repeat here that eggs are scientifically worthless as 

 specimens, unless the species of bird to which they belong has been 

 accurately ascertained ; and to do this effectually it is necessary for all 

 except the most practised observers that the skin of the parent bird 

 should be in all cases obtained and preserved. 



If egg collectors, into whose hands this book may come, would 

 kindly communicate to me any notes they may make from their own 

 experience in correction or extension of the information now recorded, 

 it would confer a great obligation on me, and enable me, in case a second 

 edition may be required, to render it more complete and satisfactory than 

 I am able to do in the present case. 



The list of birds in Part II serves as an index, the order of arrange- 

 ment followed by Jerdon is adopted, and having ascertained from this 

 list the months in which any particular bird breeds, the further details 

 required will be found on reference to the lists for those months. 



