INTRODUCTION. 



As a Catalogue does not need a Preface, I will simply 

 state, by way of introduction, that all scientific arrange- 

 ment has been given up as hopeless in a collection 

 where the chief object has been to endeavour to 

 represent the ])irds in situations somewhat similar to 

 those in which they were obtained ; many of the cases, 

 indeed, being copied from sketches taken on the actual 

 spots where the birds themselves were shot. 



The few notes and facts I have recorded are solelv 

 the result of personal observation, and with two or 

 three exceptions (all noted), not a book of reference 

 has been opened. 



Those who expect to iind a long list of rarities will, 

 I am afraid, be sadly disappointed, as, in order to 

 avoid exhibiting or describing a specimen with which 

 I was only acquainted by hearsay, I have restricted the 

 collection entirely to birds that have fallen to my own 

 gun during various excursions in the British Islands. 



