via PREFACE 



Struggle for Existence, as illustrated by Birds, were tempting 

 themes for treatment, while Nomenclature, which owing to its 

 contentious nature I have studied to avoid, and Protection, 

 about which so much deplorable and mischievous misunder- 

 standing exists, might well be said to demand consideration. 

 It will be obvious to nearly every one that the number of 

 names of Birds included in a work of this kind might be 

 increased almost indefinitely. Whether it will ever be pos- 

 sible for me to supply these additions, and others, must depend 

 on many things, and not least on the reception accorded by 

 the public to the present volume. 



A. N. 



Magdalene College, Cambridge, 

 November, 1896. 



