CXIV 



INTRODUCTION. 



The Index to the specific names of Humming-Birds comprises every term of this kind with which I 

 am acquainted. Among them are some which are not elsewhere mentioned in this Introduction ; these are 

 the specific appellations occurring in the works of the older and a few of the more modern authors, which 

 I have found it quite impossihle to ascertain to what birds they have been applied. It is but fair to state 

 that the Urolampra chloropogon of Cabanis and Heine, and the Chlorestes iolaimus of Reichenbach, appear 

 from the descriptions and figures to be good species ; but, as I have not seen the typical examples, I am 

 unable to speak positively respecting them ; I shall, however, keep the subject of the Humming-Birds con- 

 stantly before me, and, when desirable, place my remarks upon these, and any novelties that may occur, 

 before the scientific world. 



At page xvli I have stated that the Humming-Birds, like the Swifts, have ample wings and vast powers 

 of flight. As this may appear contradictory to the remarks made on the wing-powers of Selasphorus rufus 

 and Trochilus Colubris at page xiii, it will be as well to state, what I meant to convey is that their ample 

 wings and bony structure is admirably adapted for sustaining them in the air for a considerable time, rather 

 than for enabling them to take long flights from one country to another. 



