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however, be found that illustrations, be they 
ever so good, showing as they do only one 
position of the birds, will furnish but an 1m- 
perfect idea of them, as they assume such 
different appearances in repose to when in 
fight—though a good illustration (or a well- 
stuffed bird) will show a characteristic atti- 
tude. “Their- notes, too, though” put” mre 
words, must be heard to be recognized, for it 
is very difficult to spell them for all ears. 
Some birds, however, exhibit characteristics 
of plumage and note which can never be 
mistaken for others when once learnt. It is 
amongst birds of the same or approximately 
the same size that the most difference 77 
the plumage will be found—a few are so large 
that they will be known at once from des- 
cription alone. 
Conscious as I am of the incompleteness of 
my work, I know that the criticisms of more 
matured naturalists than myself, would throw 
iy Humble efforts into the “shade. “Yeu 
venture to hope that some at all events who 
are commencing the interesting study of our 
birds may be assisted by the perusal of these 
pages—and what can give more interest 
when out in the fields than to be able to know 
the birds and all about them ? 
