IV. BRITISH BIRDS 



the success of Volume I., Ave feel that we do but echo the 

 feelings of our readers. 



But we are ambitious, not only that contributors 

 shall grow in numbers, but that their contributions 

 shall be of even greater value, for the study of British 

 birds is fraught with possibilities as yet unsuspected. 

 We desire to supply a need, and to make that need so 

 real, that it will gain in intensity as the years roll on. 



It would be impossible to close this volume without 

 reference to the deplorable loss to British Ornithology 

 sustained by the deaths of Alfred Newton and Howard 

 Saunders. Little did we think that before our first 

 volume had run its course we should liave to lament 

 the departure of two such great authorities. To their 

 advice and help, which was always so readily given, we 

 had hoped to be able to turn, as occasion arose : for they 

 were men of ripe judgment, and kindly sympathy. 



The Editors. 

 May 1st, 1908. 



