VI PREFACE. 



circumstances, might be supposed to feel some- 

 what of an enduring interest in such records, or 

 as to an old and intimate friend, in whom " auld 

 lang syne " and congeniality of tastes had ensured 

 a ready listener. 



But to take a wider view of the subject. It 

 will be admitted that the geographical position 

 of Sussex, as a southern maritime county, with 

 its long line of sea-coast, is favourable for obser- 

 vations on the migratory birds, while the remark- 

 able variety of soil and scenery contained within 

 its limits appears to have a considerable influence 

 on the local distribution of many species ; but 

 without indulging in speculative theories, or at- 

 tempting to follow up the various links in the 

 chain, geological, botanical, and entomological, 

 the author still ventures to hope that he has been 

 able to throw some little light on these matters : 

 that a few sparks may be struck from the following 

 pages, which hereafter in abler hands may be 

 fanned into a flame, and more fully elucidate this 

 mysterious and interesting subject. 



