32 The. Official Guide to the 
right-hand side of the corridor, we enter the noble 
room in which are displayed the bulk of the specimens 
forming the splendid collection of 
Raptorial Birds, | an 
which form a lasting memertal of the energy, liberalitan 
and profound acquaintance with’ this branch of Orni- 
thology possessed by the late Mr. J. H. Gurney, who, 
in 1853, stated his intention to formas complete a — 
collection as possible of the Birds of Prey; and the 
beautiful series here exhibited, as well as a large num- 
ber of skins reposing in the cabinets in the “Skin 
Room,” testify to the success which has attended his 
untiring efforts. Many of the specimens are described 
or otherwise alluded to in the /ézs, a scientific journal 
devoted to Ornithology (vols. for 1859-1882), and 
some of them are figured either there or in the publi- 
cations of the Zoological Society. 
In describing these, frequent use will be made of the 
excellent Sketch of the Raptorial Birds in the Norwich — 
Museum,* written by Mr. Gurney in 1872, a little 
book replete with information, and a model of the 
popular treatment of a scientific subject. 
The birds of prey, nearly all of which are feeders on | 
flesh, are divided in Mr. Gurney’s Museum Catalogue 
into two great groups—the ACCIPITRES, or birds 
which seek their prey by day, and the STRIGES, 
or Owls, most of them nocturnal or crepuscular 
in their habits. The Accipitres are, for the most 
part, powerful birds, possessing great capacity for 
soaring and sustained flight, bold in their habits, and 
furnished with formidable claws for holding, and 
hooked beaks for rending. ‘They vary greatly in size, 
* Published by Jarrold and Sons. Price Sixpence. . 
