To the Right Honorable
The EARL of
k. t., g. b., and k. s. i.,
Viceroy and Governor General of
May it please your Excellency;
The following pages, which contain a portion
of my observations on the Natural History of this Country,
could not be more appropriately dedicated than to the
head of the Government of India, under whose auspices,
and by whose assistance, the Work has been undertaken.
It has, therefore, been to me a source of high gratification
that your Lordship's permission has authorized me to lay
before your Excellency this contribution to the knowledge
of the Birds of
I am, with great respect,
Your Excellency's most obedient servant,
T. C. Jerdon,
