INTRODUCTION. 



Among the many and diversified ornithological groups of which we have any knowledge, there is none that 

 contains species possessing a more extraordinary and abnormal style of plumage than that in which are included 

 the beautiful creatures universally known as Birds of Paradise. The lands they inhabit, even at the present 

 day, are classed among those with which the civilized world is least acquainted, and which have always, by 

 means of their dense forests, rugged surface, unhealthy climate, as well as the hostility of their native tribes, 

 presented insuperable obstacles to successful exploration by the naturalist, however ardent and adventurous, who 

 sought to discover their hidden treasures. It is not surprising, therefore, that many and absurdly exaggerated 

 stories have always been current regarding the Birds of Paradise ; and the announcement that they lived 

 in the air, and hatched their eggs under their wings, obtained many believers, notwithstanding the acknowledged 

 difficulty of these achievements, particularly the last. The comparatively few skins of certain species which 

 found their way into European cabinets were so mutilated, that any correct idea of the bird's appearance in 

 life was impossible ; and thus representations of them were given, in the early works devoted to ornithology, 

 which now to our eyes (accustomed to view the species in a perfect state) appear very curious. The vivacious 

 and restless disposition of the birds of this family, particularly those belonging to the restricted genus Paradisea, 

 causes them to be always in movement ; and thus, as they were constantly on the wing (resting but for a very 

 short period in the trees), the natives came to harbour the belief that their lives were passed without the birds' 

 ever perching ; and as the skins first sent to Europe were always deprived of their feet, they were supposed 

 by those who obtained them to be wanting in these useful members ; and Linnaeus, yielding to this fancy, 

 bestowed upon the Great Bird of Paradise the term apoda, or " footless " — a most inappropriate name, as we all 

 know. The eggs of the Paradisea, as well as the nest, are as yet unknown. 



Many authors have written about these birds ; and the literature of the family is voluminous. In the following 

 review of this important part of my subject, I have recorded, as I believe, all that was necessary to mention, 

 beginning as usual with the tenth edition of Linnseus's great work the ' Systema Naturae,' published in 1766. 



LITERATURE OF THE FAMILY. 



1766. — Linnjeus, c Systema Nature.' 



Only two species of Paradise-birds were known to the great Swedish naturalist, named respectively by him 

 Paradisea apoda and P. regia. Acridotlieres tristis is also included in the same genus. Species 2. 



1781. — Forster, ' Zoologia Indica Selecta.' 



A polynomial writer, who lost his opportunities of being cited as an authority from the fact of his having 

 given three names to all species, which obliges naturalists of the present day to pass him by without recognition. 



1782. — Latham, ' General Synopsis of Birds.' 



All the species of Paradiseidse known at the time are recorded in this work ; but unfortunately only English 



