PREFACE. 
As stated in the Prospectus, this new and enlarged edition of ‘ The History of the Birds of New 
Zealand is the outcome of a very general and rapidly increasing demand for a second issue. Its 
P ation was commenced in June 18b/, and the Author hopes to have the second volume com- 
pleted by the end of February 1889. 
Owing to the favourable reception accorded to this new ‘ History ’ in the Australasian Colonies, and 
sequently inci eased number of Subscribers, the Author found himself in the gratifying position 
° a ^ e i educe the price of each Part from One Guinea, and a half (as announced in the 
original prospectus) to One Guinea ; but, as already notified, the edition will be strictly limited to 
000 copies, of which only about 250 will he available for Europe and America. 
Although the Author has adhered to the general method and style of the former edition, he 
to hope that the alterations and additions in the body of the work fairly represent, so far 
aS ^ <U Zealand 1S concerned, the great advance which has been made in Ornithological Science 
U i 11 '"’ ^ le P 1Gsent decade. The book itself is on a larger scale, being Imperial instead of Royal Quarto, 
am the Plates, instead of being hand-coloured lithographs, have been produced by the more costly 
11101 C exact ancl satisfactory process of printing in colours. It is generally admitted that nothing 
1 ect in coloui -printing has hitherto been attempted; and the Author feels that special 
^ 16 C ^ ue talented artist, Mr. J. G. Keulemans, and to his able assistant, Mr. F. van 
erson, for the fidelity with which the drawings on stone have been executed; also to Mr. Otto 
ajei (of the film of Judd & Co.) for the faithful care and attention bestowed on the printing of 
Plates, fiom first to last, so as to ensure the best possible finish. 
the Subscribers in England and the Colonies, and particularly in New Zealand, who have 
1 ded so libeially to the announcement of a New Edition, the Author tenders his grateful 
^ ^Icdgments, for without such support he would never have undertaken so costly an enterprise, 
dd fain hope that the honest and patient labour which he has devoted to the work will be 
d a fitting icturn for their generous confidence. 
W. L. B. 
Inner Temple, London, 
March 1888. 
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