FOREWORD 



Ornithology, perhaps in as great a degree as most branches 

 of zoology, is rapidly progressing. 



New facts are constantly being discovered, and within the 

 last decade numbers of observers have arisen who have followed 

 varied lines and methods of research : these have thrown new 

 light on many problems that baffled our forefathers. 



Students are aware that to keep reasonably abreast of the 

 literature relating to bird life, access to a large number of works 

 in various languages is indispensable. 



At the same time by reason of nature teaching in schools, the 

 formation of numerous local Natural History Societies and other 

 causes, the number of yoimg students taking a scientific rather 

 than a merely casual interest in birds have immensely increased. 

 Therefore a work that aims at discussing some of the problems 

 which have arisen as the result of our latter-day knowledge, 

 especially on the philosophic rather than the technical side is a 

 thing to be desired. " Side lyights on Birds," is designed to 

 fulfil this need, and should serve as a useful guide, especially to 

 those of the younger generation, 



Mr. Knight Horsfield is my oldest bird friend. We com- 

 menced to study birds together as school boys in the year 1869, 

 and have been companions on many delightful rambles in search 

 of bird-lore, down to recent times. Thus I have much 

 pleasure in writing a Foreword to these Side Lights. 



I consider Mr. Knight Horsfield to be eminently suited to be 

 their Author, by reason of his wide knowledge of birds in life 

 and in literature, and because he brings to bear upon the various 

 problems discussed, a philosophical and impartial mind. 



W. EAGI.E CI.ARKE. 



