PREFACE xi 



blinding snow-storm, enveloped the summit. Had 

 it not been that the snow was soft, and that the 

 footmarks we made during the ascent served as 

 landmarks, the consequences might have been 

 rather unpleasant, as on nearly every side were 

 lofty precipices, and the mist limited the view 

 to a few yards. 



Many a time I have sat up all night to take 

 notes on the wakening of the birds, which, in this 

 part of the world, commence to sing considerably 

 earlier than their English relations. In June, the 

 Thrush and Blackbird are often in song before 

 2 o'clock a.m., while the Sandpipers and Oyster 

 Catchers by the river never cease to call all 

 night long. 



The work has to me been indeed a labour of 

 love, and none save those who have actually taken 

 up this branch of Natural History can form any 

 idea of the fascination it holds for the true lover of 

 Nature a fascination which is enhanced by the 

 difficulties to be overcome, and the patience and 

 perseverance necessary to secure the photographs 

 of some of our wariest birds at their native haunts. 



SETON P. GORDON. 



ABOYNE, ABERDEENSHIRE. 

 September, 1907. 



