Preface to Original Editioiu vii 



j'^lance, and in a very condensed and S3^^tcmatic form, 

 as mucli information as possible touching the nest, its 

 customary site and materials, and also the eggs, their 

 number, colour, and markings, and any noteworthy 

 breeding peculiarities of each separate British-breed- 

 ing species. It is hoped this attempt, somewhat novel 

 as it is, and almost inevitably imperfect as it must be 

 in too many respects, will not be regarded as alto- 

 gether unacceptable by the youthful nest-hunter and 

 egg-collector. 



The author has only to observe, in conclusion that 

 he has scarcely thought it necessary in the majority 

 of instances to notice the common and well recognised 

 fact that any particular species under notice, in common 

 with many or most of our common British birds, rears 

 two broods, or even more, in the course of the isummer. 

 Neither has he thought it requisite to attempt to 

 define the average season for the commencement of 

 nidification in the case of this or that species as they 

 came succes.^ively under review. 



