INTRODUCTION xi. 
with my eyelids apparently closed, yet sufficiently open to 
allow of vision, I have allured Great Black-backed Gulls 
to approach on the wing within a ridiculously close range, 
and the late Mr. EK. Willams informed me that by adopting 
this form of strategy he frequently brought Ravens and 
Hooded Crows within thirty yards of his head. 
Many species of Ducks and Geese are harassed to such 
an extent by the ‘stanchion shooter, that they learn to 
regard the presence of man with marked suspicion. In 
districts where they are persistently hunted it is most 
difficult to scull a boat within good observing-range. Here 
a powerful field-glass is particularly useful. But even the 
much hunted Brent Goose and Wigeon, which, throughout 
the shooting-season, are extremely vigilant and gun-shy, 
lose a remarkable amount of their suspiciousness when they 
are left in peace during the commencement of the close 
season in March and April, the last months of their stay in 
our latitudes. Nor can one fail to notice how tame these 
and other species of wildfowl become when pinioned on 
ornamental waters ; how they will even approach the brink 
to take the proffered cake from the hand of a passing 
stranger. 
Gulls, as a rule, are easily observed; being naturally 
ereedy they can be attracted to close quarters by casting 
food on the surface of the water. I have made several 
interesting observations from city-quays, and from boats, 
especially from the decks of channel-steamers, in the wake 
of which these birds will often wander for miles. 
The ambush afforded by sand-dunes, especially when 
overgrown with thick and tall rushes, gives one an excellent 
opportunity of closely inspecting wading-birds as they run 
hither and thither on the beach (Plate III.). 
Regarding the question of collecting specimens, unneces- Collecting 
sary destruction of bird-life must be protested against. Far SPe¢i- 
more is to be learned by patient and persevering observation, 
