EDITOR'S PREFACE. 



PERHAPS no work ever did more to encourage the growth of 

 that taste for Ornithology, which has of late become so widely- 

 diffused among all classes of society, than DR. BECHSTEIN'S 

 admirable History of Cage, or Chamber-birds (StulenvogeT}. 

 In Germany, where it first appeared, and in various other 

 parts of the continent, as well as in England and America, 

 it has gone through several editions, and become a standard 

 work of reference, not only to the mere Bird-fancier, but also 

 to the scientific Ornithologist. Since the death of the Author, 

 a new edition, comprising the results of his latest experience, 

 has appeared, under the superintendence of Dr. LEHMANN, a 

 friend, whose kindred tastes and pursuits admirably fitted him 

 for the task. 



In the present Translation, which is from this improved 

 edition, the Author's plan of arrangement has been strictly 

 followed ; and a large amount of additional matter introduced, 

 from the most authentic sources; including the whole of 

 SWEET'S BEITISH WARBLERS, a work of great reputation, now 

 extremely scarce. Several species not mentioned by BECH> 

 STEIN are described, for the first time, in this edition ; indeed, 

 no pains have been spared to render it as perfect as possible, 



H. G. A. 



