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PREFACE. Ins

Megapodius ). The singular runs or bowers of the Chlamydere were considered by some
explorers to be the cradles of the infants of the aborigines, and the mounds of the Megapodius

to be tumuli, errors which have been rectified in the present work.

Lt 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 efforts of a single individual, and I
have, therefore, very great pleasure in stating that my views were most ably seconded by 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 [ 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 5.
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 Lezpoa, &c. In South Australia I received many acts of kind attention and
assistance from my friend Captain Sturt, whom I 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 I 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
become the possessor, and allowed me the free use of any objects desirable for the enhance-

Cc