16 THE BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES 



to record ; we imagined we should always remember ; some- 

 times we were not sure and afraid of ridicule. I have mentioned 

 elsewhere how I saw Choughs at Llandudno in the early- 

 seventies ; when older, more experienced men scouted my 

 information, and I ceased to mention it. Now I know that 

 for nearly ten years later Choughs nested on the Orme. Some 

 early observations I know were incorrect, but others I would 

 gladly repeat. As a very small boy I was lifted up to look into 

 a sand hole at along-billed brilliantly plumaged bird. Possibly 

 because I was familiar with pictures of birds my infantile brain 

 registered a vision of a Bee-eater on its nest. Not until many 

 years later I learnt that the bird had never been proved to nest 

 in England, and that it nested in a hole. It may have been a 

 Kingfisher, yet I knew the picture of that bird well. I can 

 never satisfy myself now. 



The old method of keeping notes was a diary ; a card index 

 is better. Each species should have a card or cards, the 

 more for each the better, for in after-life time is saved if all 

 notes on one subject are grouped. Separate cards for plumage, 

 habits, eggs, times of appearance, etc., are useful. Fresh cards 

 can always be added. At the bottom of each card should be a 

 space for later remarks, alterations, or corrections. Colours of 

 bill, legs, eyes and bare skin of all specimens examined should 

 be noted ; these fade in a skin. Equally important are notes 

 on habits. 



The old note-book is a joy for ever ; it is far better than a 

 specimen, and it does not mean destruction of Hfe. Let us 

 remember that the main object of keeping notes is for the 

 benefit of others, to advance knowledge, and register anything 

 and everything which may be of future use. 



