PROSPECTUS. 



In the present work the author proposed to treat only of the Cinnyridae or true Sun-birds ; but 

 it has since appeared to him that it would be better also to figure and describe a few of the 

 closely allied forms, which, although generally included in this family, he has found it necessary 

 to reject. By so doing he trusts more clearly to point out the true limits of this family and its 

 natural position in the large group of the Honey-suckers. To a great extent the scope of this 

 Monograph will be similar to that of the little volume on Sun-birds published in 1843 by the 

 late Sir William Jardine in the Naturalist's Library, which work, for many years the. best 

 authority on the subject, is now out of date, owing to the number of species that have been 

 described since the above-mentioned year. 



For some time past the author has been engaged in collecting the material for a Monograph 

 of these beautiful birds ; and having enjoyed the opportunity of studying them in a state of 

 nature in Western and Southern Africa, he hopes to make a description of their habits one of 

 the special features of his work. 



Neither time or expense will be spared to render the Plates as good as possible, to do the 

 greatest amount of justice to the gorgeous and metallic plumage with which the birds are 

 adorned. The author cannot, however, but congratulate himself on having secured the efficient 

 hand of Mr. Keulemans for the execution of the Plates ; and this gentleman's position as a 

 natural-history artist will be a guarantee that this branch of the work will be ably performed. 

 Like the author, Mr. Keulemans has also studied Sun-birds in a state of nature, and is therefore 

 acquainted with their characteristic mode of life. 



There is no occasion to dilate on the beauty of the family. The Humming-birds, which 

 they so much resemble in appearance, are the only members of the feathered tribes which can 

 approach them in brilliancy of plumage. 



The present Monograph will be issued in 4to-sized Parts, which will be published as rapidly 

 as possible, consistently with a proper execution of the Plates. 



The price of each Part will be One Guinea, and will contain ten coloured Plates, with full 

 descriptive letterpress, &c. 



It was originally computed by the author that Twelve Parts would be sufficient to complete 

 the entire work. Since its commencement, however, so many new species have been described, 

 that the work will possibly comprehend One or Two additional Parts. 



In order that the numerous original Subscribers who have supported the author from the 

 outset may not suffer by his extending the previously proposed limits, they will be allowed to 

 compound for the entire Monograph by payment of £12. This arrangement will hold good up 

 to the issue of the Seventh Part, after which no one will be entitled to compound. 



On the conclusion of the work, should any copies remain, the price will be raised. 



Intending Subscribers are requested to write to the author, The Guards' Club, Pall Mall, 

 S.W., or to R. H. Porter, 6 Tenterden Street, Hanover Square, who has charge of the publica- 

 tion of the work. 



Post-Office Orders payable at Vere Street, W., and Cheques crossed London and County Bank, 

 Hanover-Square Branch. 



