PREFACE. 1X 
Megapodius). ‘Vhe singular runs or bowers of the Chlamyderw were considered by some 
explorers to be the cradles of the infants of the aborigines, and the mounds of the Alegapodius 
to be tumuli, errors which have been rectified in the present work, 
It is not to be supposed that an undertaking of such magnitude as the present could have 
been brought to a successful termination by the unaided eflorts of a single individual, and I 
have, therefore, very great pleasure in stating that my views were most ably seconded hy every 
one with whom the nature of my investigations brought me in contact; but by none more 
than by the Rev. Thomas James Ewing, who, besides manifesting the warmest friendship, has 
ever taken especial interest in promoting the success of the present work ; nor must I omit to 
mention R. C. Gunn, Esq., Lieut. Breton, R.N., the Hon. Henry Elliot, Aide-du-camp to the 
Governor, Lieut. Friend, R.N., and Captain Booth, all of Van Diemen’s Land. In New South 
Wales my best thanks are due to George Bennett, Esq., who, like Mr. Ewing, favoured me 
with his warmest friendship, and evinced an equal anxiety for the success of my undertaking ; 
the Messrs. James and William M*‘Arthur, of Camden; the Messrs, Stephen and Charles 
Coxen, of Yarrundi; Charles Throsby, Esq., of Bong-bong; Alexander and William S. 
MacLeay, Esqs.; Captain P. P. King, and many others. Much valuable information has 
been communicated to me by George Grey, Esq. (now Governor of New Zealand), whose 
exertions during his expedition along the north-western coasts of Australia were characterized 
by a degree of energy of character and perseverance but rarely equalled ; whose ornithological 
collection made during this arduous enterprise, although small, was by no means destitute of 
interest ; and who, upon succeeding Colonel Gawler in the Governorship of South Australia, 
found time amidst his multifarious occupations to devote considerable attention to Natural 
History, and to send me some interesting drawings and other details respecting the mounds 
raised by the Leipoa, &e. In South Australia I received many acts of kind attention and 
assistance from my friend Captain Sturt, whom | accompanied on one of his expeditions into 
the interior; and [ have much pleasure in acknowledging my obligations to Mr. Eyre, now 
Lieut.-Governor of New Zealand, and the late J. B. Harvey, Esq. 
Nor must | conclude my acknowledgements of the kindness of those who have rendered 
me their aid, without especially recording the liberality of the Right Hon. The Earl of Derby, 
who has at all times most readily submitted to my inspection every collection of which he has 
heeome the possessor, and allowed me the free use of any objects desirable for the enhance- 
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