VI 
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 
been required, in consequence of newly-discovered forms, and in 
the second family of the Raptores, the Falconidje, the subdivision 
of Dr. J. J. Kaup, in an Essay, Ueber Falken, Museum Senck- 
enbergianum,'' vol. III. (1845), has been adopted. In the Cata- 
logue of the Mammalia contained in the Company's Museum, an 
analogous subdivision of the Class into the Orders of Primates, 
Ferae, Cete, Glires, and Ungulata, according to the systematic 
arrangement propounded by Dr. J. E. Gray in the introduction 
to the Catalogue of the Mammalia in the British Museum, has 
been employed. 
Respecting the Nomenclature of this Catalogue, it may be 
stated, that it has been the uniform practice to assign to each 
species the latest and most authentic systematic name founded 
on a most careful research ; and in many cases the numerous 
synonyms exhibit an interesting history of the changes which the 
nomenclature has experienced. The discoveries and additions of 
later years have required a nomenclature adapted to the present 
condition of the science. The Genera of the older Ornithologists 
have in most cases received numerous subdivisions, and many new 
Genera have been established. This has also been the case re- 
specting Families. Such new Genera only as have been distinctly 
defined and described have been admitted into this Catalogue. 
With regard to specific names, it has been the invariable rule 
to preserve to the discoverer or first describer the credit which is 
due to him, and to indicate his right of priority by the terminal 
affix of Sp., according to the pertinent and equitable recom- 
mendation of a Committee appointed in 1844, by the British 
Association of Science, " to consider the rules by which the 
Nomenclature of Zoology may be established on a uniform and 
permanent basis.'' 
In collecting the notices of the habits and manners of the birds 
described, and in verifying the numerous synonyms scattered 
through various works on Zoology, Mr. F. Moore, the Assistant 
in the Museum, has laboured with great care and assiduity, 
as well as in expediting the preparation and printing of this 
Catalogue. 
THOMAS HOBSFIELD. 
Library, East-India House, 
15(h Stptcmhcv, 1854. 
