Vill PREFACE. 
tion to the changes of plumage under different periods 
of age; and to add to the general stock of knowledge 
my mite of personal observation on the habits of this 
interesting tribe of creatures. 
in this latter respect, I trust candid readers will 
not charge against me as a fault the large share of 
egotism that seems to pervade this volume; of two 
evils, I certainly would rather chuse to rest under this 
imputation, than that of being a downright compiler. 
As to the style, I have’ endeavoured, as far as lay in 
my power, to wnite conciseness and perspicuity with 
that plain didactic manner in which I conceive all 
works on scientific subjects should be written. 
I shall conclude this short notice, with apologising 
for a slight want of regularity in the numbering of 
the plates. This was almost unavoidable from the 
necessarily irregular manner in which the specimens 
were obtained, and the etchings accomplished ; but 
E should hope that no great inconvenience will be ex- 
perienced on this. point. 
NOTE. 
i have not been able to add Prater 11* (the female Ash- 
coloured Harrier), as quoted in this work, from an inability 
to procure the Bird. But I the less regret this, as I have 
since had an opportunity of completing the number of Plates 
by the introduction of the Female and Young of the Great 
Bustard on Prats 64*. | 
February 10. 18265. 
