PHEEACE. 



The Jacamars and Puff-birds formed the subject of some of my earliest studies in Ornithology. 

 Of the former of these families I published a Synopsis in 1852, of the latter in 1856. Since 

 those dates I have not failed to add to my series of examples of both these groups whenever 

 the opportunity has presented itself. Assisted by the additional materials thus acquired, and 

 by the excellent collection of the birds of both these groups in the cabinets of my friends Salvin 

 and Godman (which has been placed unreservedly at my service), it has been a great pleasure 

 to me to go over former ground and to do my best to give a complete account of what is as 

 yet known of the Jacamars and Puff-birds. I trust that the work now completed will be found 

 worthy to rank along Avith other similar well-known Monographs that have been lately issued, 

 and to find a place next to them on the book-shelves of my brother Naturalists. 



I have to acknowledge the cordial assistance received from many friends during the 

 progress of this work, and especially the kind aid rendered to me by Mr. W. A. Forbes, who has 

 provided me with some most valuable notes on the anatomy and osteology of the birds of these 

 two groups. 



P. L. SCLATER. 



July 1st, 1882. 



ScL. Jac. & Puffb.— /m/?/, 1882. 



