PREFACE 



I WISH to mention in this place my deep sense of 

 obligation to those kind helpers who have given 

 me notes on the subjects discussed in this book. 

 I wish also to acknowledge my gratitude to the late 

 Professor Harker, F.L.S., whose lamented death 

 recently occurred. He, from the first, encouraged 

 me to continue my observation of bird-song ; and, 

 in 1890, he devoted a considerable amount of time 

 to harmoniously arranging the results of my in- 

 vestigations. 



When I state that Mr. J. E. Harting generously 

 offered to look over the proof-sheets of this work 

 (which offer was, of course, gladly accepted), the 

 public will appreciate the extent of my indebtedness 

 to an author and editor so accomplished. The first 



