PREFACE. ix 



words on the natural relations of the species, so 



as to give a little general information on the 



families to which they belong. 



The pictures which Mr. Keulemans has drawn, 



are, in my opinion, among the best which 



the present generation owes to his talented 



brush, and the way in which they have been 



reproduced in chromo- lithography, by Messrs. 



Riddle and Couchman, not only demands my 



warmest acknowledgment, but, I believe, that 



they will be thoroughly appreciated by all lovers 



of birds. 



R. B. S. 



Easter, 1895. 



