PREFACE. Vll 



of the Bahamas, our then Colonial Secretary, the whole 

 of this correspondence has been allowed to pass free through 

 the Post-Office ; also, the Union Steam Company, carrying 

 our mails, have in the most liberal manner conveyed all 

 my little Zoological parcels to England free of charge. 



I do not profess to put forth this Catalogue as complete. 

 There are doubtless many species described in it, which a 

 further acquaintance with works and type specimens con- 

 tained in European museums, would sink into synonyms : 

 il is a move forwards, and may serve as a foundation for 

 the labours of others whose opportunities may be greater 

 than my own. 



No doubt many species on the Frontiers, particularly to 

 the ; Eastward, are yet undescribed. I have never been 

 able to visit these districts ; nor have I succeeded in getting 

 any one to collect for me there. 



As regards the identification of the eggs described, in 

 every instance in which I have not myself taken them, the 

 circumstances under which they have come into my posses- 

 sion have been detailed. 



Many Birds are herein described that have no claim to 

 be considered as South African, beyond the dictum of the 

 old Authors. This has been done to serve as a beacon to 

 others, that they may avoid the labour and trouble I have 

 had in determining their true localities. 



The Engraving, showing the various parts of a Bird, is 

 copied from a plate in a German ornithological work, 

 the name of which has escaped my memory. 



