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 DE. BECHSTEIN'S 

 admirable History of Cage, or Chamber-birds (Stubenvogel). 

 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. SinceHhe 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 WAEBLEES, a work of great reputation, now 

 extremely scarce. Several species not mentioned by EECH- 

 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. 



