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's continued absence in Guatemala renders it necessary for his substitute to write a few lines as preface to the third volume of the Third Series of '.'

When the British Ornithologists' Union was instituted at Cambridge in 1858, who would have ventured to prophecy that the Society and its Organ would attain such dimensions and such success? Yet our Union now comprehends ninety-four Members, and our Journal has reached its 15th volume. Nor does there seem any reason why our numbers should diminish or our volumes cease to appear. Though some of our original members have (I regret to say) become rather sparing of their contributions to ',' a new generation of ornithologists is arising who show no symptoms of falling behind their predecessors, either in field-work abroad or in cabinet-work at home. To these, as well as to those of the older generation who have contributed to these pages and otherwise assisted us in our arduous undertaking, our best thanks are hereby offered.

P. L. SCLATER,

Acting Editor.

11 Hanover Square, London, W. February 16th, 1874.