INTRODUCTION. 



There never was a more favourable time than the 

 present for the study of the history of the habits of 

 birds. During the last ten years there have issued 

 from the press, in parts, no less than four important 

 ornithological works, three of which are now com- 

 plete, (i.) Dresser's " Birds of Europe," in 8 vols. 

 4to, 1 87 1-8 1, supplies a want which was only 

 partially satisfied by Bree's "Birds of Europe not 

 Observed in the British Islands," being, as its title 

 implies, much more comprehensive. (2.) Yarrell's 

 "British Birds," 4th edition, in 4 vols. 8vo, 1871- 

 1885, of which the first two volumes (including 

 the Accipitres Passeres and Picarice) were edited 

 by Professor Newton, and the last two (dealing 

 with the remaining orders) by Mr. Howard Saun- 

 ders. The important additions made to our know- 

 ledge since Yarrell's first publication on the subject, 

 and embodied in this edition, makes it practically 

 a new work. (3.) Seebohm's " British Birds," with 

 coloured illustrations of their eggs, 3 vols. 8vo, 

 1883-85, an excellent work, containing much new 

 and interesting information derived from the author's 



