IV 
INTKODUCTION. 
right to use, wherever it was possible, that which was first 
applied to the species. Great attention has been paid to consult 
the original authority, to know the type, and select the name 
which appeared to be the most ancient, and reference is made to 
the work in which, and the date when, each genus and its 
synonyma were respectively published. 
Under each species there have been appended all the names 
under which the bird has been mentioned since the establish- 
ment of the Linnean system and nomenclature, and references 
are given to the works in which these were first used, and espe- 
cially to the various works treating on British animals in which 
they are mentioned, as well as to the various other works on 
Ornithology which it was thought might prove of use in establish- 
ing the identity of species found in other parts of the world. 
These are followed by a reference to a few of the best of the 
original figures of the species. 
This Catalogue has been prepared by Mr. George Robert 
Gray, the Senior-assistant in the department. 
JOHN EDWARD GRAY. 
British Museum, 
June 1st, 1850. 
