Teyler’s Stichting
B IB L IO TH E EK
H A A R L EM
P R I N T E D BY TAYLOR AND FRA NCI S ,
RED LION COURT, FLEE T STREET.
P R E F A C E .
The first ‘ Hand-list ’ of Birds was compiled by the late G-eorge Robert
Gray, and published by the Trustees of the British Museum in three
parts, in the years 1869, 1870, and 3871. This work has long been
out of print, and the time seems to have come when a new Handlist
would be of advantage to working ornithologists.
This new ‘ Hand-list ’ has been written by Dr. R. Bowdler Sharpe,
the author of the greater part of the ‘ Catalogue of Birds.’ To the
latter work reference is made throughout, and the ‘ Hand-list ’ is
avowedly founded upon the ‘ Catalogue ’ ; but the new species described
since the publication of the twenty-seven volumes which comprise the
latter work will be here included, so as to bring the list of the known
species of birds up to date.
I thoroughly endorse the author’s remarks as to the value of the
co-operation which he has received from distinguished ornithologists in
this and other countries. The desire which has been evinced by so many
ornithologists to make this new ‘Hand-list’ complete will be fully
appreciated by all those who desire the progress of Zoological Science.
E. RAT LANKESTER,
Director,
Natural History Departments,
July 12, 1899. British Museum.
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