PEEFACE, 



A woEK like the ' Hand-list of the G-enera and Species of Birds ' falls 

 short of fulfilling its purpose so long as it deals with a part, even 

 though it be the larger part, of the subject that comes within its 

 scope. The completion of the present work is accordingly a matter 

 for congratulation, and it is hoped that the 'Hand-list' will advance 

 ther study of Ornithology by facilitating reference to the enormous 

 and ever-increasing literature of the subject. 



It is a pleasant duty to acknowledge the assistance which has been 

 given to the author by the leading ornithologists of the world, and I 

 fully endorse Dr. Sharpe's expression of gratitude to the friends who 

 have helped him in his difficult task. 



SIDNEY E. HAEMER, 



British Museum (Natural History), Keeper of Zoology. 



London, August, 1909. 



