INTRODUCTION. Vll 



To all these gentlemen I tender my sincere thanks for their loyal 

 friendship and assistance. In most cases I have followed their sugges- 

 tions, especially in the groups with which I have not an intimate personal 

 acquaintance. My views on certain aspects' of nomenclature are so well 

 known that slight differences must exist between some of us on a few 

 minor points, and on these there will always be a variation in individual 

 opinion. In the main I have adhered strictly to the nomenclature of 

 the ' Catalogue of Birds,' and in a few cases only have I ventured to 

 disagree with the conclusions of the writers. 



E. BOWDLEE SHAEPE. 

 July 6, 1899. 



