PREFACE. 
Herewith I desire to express my warmest thanks, to the many enthusiastic 
Fanciers, who have so generously contributed to these pages, and without whose 
whole-souled co-operation, it would have been impossible to carry this under- 
taking to a successful issue, more especially to those gentlemen in the various 
Colonies who are personally unknown to the writer. That they, one and all, 
have given their actual experience, based on long years of patient study, experi- 
ment, and observation, makes the information supplied of the greatest value. 
Especially are my thanks due to Mr. S. C. Kesteven, of Christchurch, New 
Zealand ; to Messrs. D. F. Laurie, G. M, Duncan, and W. Jolly, of South Australia ; to 
Mrs. Lance Rawson, of Queensland ; and to Messrs. H. Huntington Peck, F. Norman, 
W. Skelton, J. C. Coupe, J. B. Crawford, F. G. Edmondson, and J. V. Smith, of 
Victoria. Brother Fanciers also, in this, the mother colony, are fully entitled to 
the writer's most grateful indebtedness for the sound, practical, and absolutely 
reliable information afforded, which should in the near future, and for years yet to 
come, considerably assist in guiding many young and aspiring Fanciers' footsteps 
towards the goal of their ambition. 
The Engravers have executed their work in a most efficient manner, and the 
Publishers' (Messrs. Geo. Robertson & Co.) aim throughout, has been to pro- 
duce the " Australasian Book of Poultry " right up to the highest standard of 
excellence. 
Again thanking one and all for the many kindnesses tendered, which, I feel 
certain, have been prompted solely by the good fellowship existing in the " Brother- 
hood of the Fancy," and though now finally taking leave of my engrossing subject, 
1 do so with a feeling of regret. 
Yours faithfully, 
THE AUTHOR. 
"BEVERLEY,". 
LEICHHARDT, 
SYDNEY, N.S.W. 
