vi PREFACE. 



to a higher plane of dignity and importance than that 

 on which it rests at present, it will be a source of un- 

 mixed pleasure ; whilst if, by setting forth a description 

 of the wonderful, if utilitarian, structures made by our 

 native birds, or the charming and varied characteristics 

 of their beautiful eggs, I can succeed in enlisting a fuller 

 measure of sympathy for the birds themselves, I shall 

 ever view the many years of patient yet loving labour 

 with the highest satisfaction. I commenced to collect 

 nests and eggs when I was barely ten years of age ; 

 the passion has grown upon me ; and from then to now 

 these wonderful objects have ever won from me an 

 admiration which is only second to that which I have 

 always had for the Birds that make and produce them. 



Charles Dixon. 



February 1893. 



