PREFikCE. 
T he completion of my Fifth Volume sees the world still at war but the 
ornithological world at peace, probably through the pre-occupation of 
ornithological students in the greater study. Certainly all the younger 
generation are otherwise engaged than attacking ornithological problems, 
commonly attacking a more intricate and complex problem. Nevertheless, 
let us hope that ere I am called upon to compose the Preface to another 
volume, the success of the younger ornithologists in the greater venture will 
have given them the well-earned leisure to continue peaceful inquiries among 
the avian fauna of their native land. 
Consequently the present opportunity simply serves to reiterate my thanks 
for the continued assistance given me by my valued friends Captain S. A. White, 
Dr. W. MacgUlivray, Messrs. T. Carter, H. L. White, J. W. Mellor and 
E. Ashby amongst others. I would mention that some have raised an 
objection to my criticisms of fellow Australian workers, judging them to be 
too severe. I would emphasize the fact that no personal belittling was 
intended, and that all my remarks should be read in the impersonal manner 
in which they are written. My only aim is to secure the truth and put the 
Australian Avifauna into such a state that my successors will be able to 
treat it with the fewest complications, and to this end criticism is sometimes 
necessary, though never a pleasing task. 
GEEGORY M. MATHEWS. 
Foulis Court, 
Fair Oak, Hants. 
1th August, 1916, 
XI, 
