CONTENTS 



CHAPTEE I 



THE BIRDS AND THE BOOK 



PACK 



A handbook of London birds considered — Keasons for not 

 writing it — Changes in the character of the wild bird 

 population, and supposed cause — The London sparrow 

 — Its abundance — Bread-begging habits — Monotony'' — 

 Its best appearance — Beautiful finches — Value of open 

 spaces — The sparrows' afternoon tea in Hyde Park — 

 Purpose of this book ....... 1 



CHAPTER II 



CEOWS IX LONDON 



A short general account of the London crows — The magpie 

 — The jay — London ravens — The Enfield ravens — The 

 Hyde Park ravens — The Tower ravens — The carrion 

 crow, rook, and jackdaw ...... 20 



CHAPTER III 



THE CAKEION CROW IN THE BALANCE 



The crow in London — Persecuted in the royal parks — 

 Degi^adation of Hyde Park^ — Ducks in the Serpentine : 



