PREFACE. IX 



nearly all the principal Broads, and the coast-line, with 

 but little intermission between Yarmouth and Lynn, I 

 can speak with some confidence as to the species that 

 still nest in those localities, as well as to the total absence 

 of others formerly common enough during the breeding 

 season. I have also taken much pains by an inspection 

 of both private and public collections to identify, whilst 

 it was yet possible to do so, the rarer birds recorded as 

 having been killed in this county during the past half 

 century ; but, although in many instances I have been 

 enabled to ascertain the existence and present location 

 of "historical" specimens, the absence of any memoranda 

 attached* has, in other cases, through lapse of time, 

 entirely defeated my object. 



The biographical sketches of the more common species 

 have been written, rather with the hope of exciting an 

 interest in the study of birds amongst those but little 

 given to natural history pursuits, than with the idea of 

 adding anything to the knowledge of such readers as 

 are accustomed to observe for themselves, in their out- 

 door rambles. Presuming, also, that all who are interested 

 in the study of British ornithology, either possess their 

 " Yarrell," or the means of referring to such works in our 

 public libraries, I have not attempted any description of 

 form or plumage, except where rare and little known 

 species have come under my notice in a recent state ; thus 

 enabling me to note down the more evanescent tints, or to 

 take accurate measurements before preservation. 



That the very modest plans with which I commenced 

 my task have gradually assumed proportions I could 



* The importance of affixing written particulars as to date 

 and locality to all cases containing rare local specimens cannot be 

 too strongly impressed upon collectors of stuffed birds, the absence 

 of any such means of identification materially affecting their value, 

 in a scientific as well as pecuniary sense, if subsequently disposed of. 

 b 



