PREFACE 



now in the Museum of Owens College at Manchester, but some 

 are from specimens in the British Museum or that of Tring, 

 which last have been generously placed at my disposal by their 

 possessor, the Hon. Walter Rothschild, M.P. In most cases I 

 have examined as large a series of specimens as possible, but 

 there are some few of which I have not been able to see a 

 single example, and have then been compelled to borrow a 

 published description. 



It had been my intention to include a map of the Palsearctic 

 area, but consideration showed that it was impossible to give 

 one in an 8vo. volume which would be of any practical use to 

 the reader. A second plate from a drawing by the late Mr. 

 Joseph Wolf, has therefore been substituted which, I think, 

 can scarcely fail to give pleasure to those who may possess 

 the work. 



I take this opportunity of returning my thanks to many 

 friends both at home and abroad, who have kindly assisted me 

 in preparing this work, and among them I would especially 

 name Professor Newton, who has helped to look over the 

 proofs, and in various other ways has greatly assisted me ; 

 Mr. Howard Saunders, on whose co-operation I could always 

 reckon ; and lastly to the Society for the Protection of Birds, 

 who permitted me to publish the work at No. 3, Hanover 

 Square. 



H. E. DKESSER. 



28, QUEENSBOROUGH TERRACE, W. 



Is* June, 1903. 



