PREFACE 



'HpHESE " Notes on the Birds of Herefordshire '' were originally 

 written for the purpose of being read at the Field Meetings 

 of the Woolhope Club ; the Members of the Club most kindly 

 helping, by contributing notes of the appearance of any rare or 

 remarkable birds that had come under their notice. Several 

 of the earlier sections of the book were read in this w^ay ; but, 

 by degrees, the scope of the design was much extended, and all 

 our Herefordshire Birds were included, as far as they could be 

 ascertained. 



Dr. Bull then wished to publish the whole series of " Notes " 

 in a separate volume, and had, in fact, completed and arranged the 

 MS. for that purpose. He hoped by this means to increase the 

 interest felt in our feathered companions, and to lead to greater 

 care and method in observing, naming, and classifying the very 

 numerous species that either inhabit or visit the county. 



His sudden illness and death prevented his accomplishing his 

 intention ; but his papers were fortunately left by him complete, 

 and he expressed an earnest wish that they should be published as 

 soon as was possible. There have been unavoidable delays in 

 bringing the work through the press ; but it is hoped that the 

 many friends who have listened to the papers in the field, or joined 

 in the discussions to which they gave rise, will like to possess this 

 volume, as a remembrance of one who so truly loved everything 

 connected with Nature, Antiquity, and Science. 



The "Notes," as the title implies, are not an exhaustive account 

 of the birds mentioned, still less a formal treatise on their structure 

 and classification ; but rather, familiar reminiscences of homely 



