xiv INTRODUCTION 



Charles Elton pointed out in 1927, for almost anyone doing eco- 

 logical work on the right lines, to strike upon some new and ex- 

 citing fact or idea. 



Ecology has been described as scientific natural history and ac- 

 curate identification must be made of any animals studied. One 

 of the objects of this book is to indicate some of the innumerable 

 problems awaiting elucidation and to provide a guide to sources 

 for the identification of the British species in particular, as well as 

 to other relevant literature.! It is hoped that it will interest natural 

 history workers in this country and abroad: it may also be of use to 

 upper school biology teachers. At the same time, however, I believe 

 that many university students may find in it information, although 

 simply portrayed, that will be of value to them both in the joys of 

 the field and the gloom of the examination hall. 



f Inevitably this is somewhat arbitrary and no doubt, reflects a bias 

 towards the works with which I am more familiar. Both modern and old 

 publications have been quoted, especially where the latter have useful illus- 

 trations. 



