CHAPTER l\ 

 Notes on Illustrations 



The following letters to Mr. Thorburn relate to that 

 artist's work for Coloured Figures of the British Birds. 

 They show the infinite pains Lord Lilford took to have 

 each plate, not only perfect as a representation of the 

 bird in question, but perfect also as a reflection of the 

 natural surroundings in which it lived. The beauty and 

 fidelity of Mr. Thorburn's work may be seen in those 

 volumes, and need no other tribute ; but it must have 

 been a true pleasure to himself to have received such 

 letters and to be thus assured of the high appreciation 

 of this gifted and minutely critical judge. 



"Af'ri/ isM, 1888. 



" As regards the surroundings of the birds that you 

 mention, the oyster catcher should be on a sea beach of 

 shingle and sand, with indication of a flock of same 

 species in the background ; the rufF and reeve on grassy 

 marsh land with any marsh flowers that you may think 



