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ENTRODUC ELON:

Ir will, I am sure, be conceded, that next to illustrating the ornithology of a particular country, mono-
graphs of families or genera are of the greatest interest, since they tend to increase our knowledge of the
science far more than mere descriptions of new species ; with this view, therefore, I have from time to time
turned my attention to the investigation of some one or other of those groups, respecting which much con-
fusion existed, or which had not received the attention that their interesting nature appeared to demand. In
selecting those of the Ramphastide and Trogonide for the subjects of my previous monographs, I must
fairly admit that I was as much influenced by the singularity of their form, and by the splendour of their
plumage, as by the fortunate acquisition of many species entirely unknown to science ; the subjects of
the present monograph, on the other hand, though not remarkable for brilliancy of colouring, are,
independently of their claims to notice in a scientific point of view, well worthy of illustration, from
their utility to man, both as articles of food and as objects of sport, a utility prospectively important
whenever the vast countries of which they are denizens shall become entirely under the dominion of civili-
zation; nor can we overlook their value as objects for our aviaries, and for naturalization in Europe ; many
of the species would live in the warmer parts of the Continent, and some of them are sufficiently hardy to
brave the severities of our winters, and would doubtless thrive in situations similar to those that are suitable

to our own Partridge.

To these preliminary remarks I may add, that this section of the Gallinacee has received no inconsider-
able share of my attention for the last twenty years, during which period I have availed myself of

every possible opportunity of becoming acquainted with the subject ; and I would here record my sense of

4

the kind assistance rendered to me on all hands, particularly by my late lamented friend Mr. John

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