PREFACE. xiii 



possible, the scale of a photographic reproduction 

 beneath it. This hint we regard as valuable, 

 especially in regard to illustrations containing nests 

 and eggs, and we have every reason to hope that 

 it will be appreciated. 



We have to express our grateful thanks to the 

 following gentlemen for valuable assistance rendered 

 in the preparation of this work : Sir Arthur John 

 Campbell-Orde ; Cameron of Lochiel ; Mr. J. Whit- 

 aker, of Mansfield ; Mr. E. J. Ussher, of Cappagh ; 

 Eev. M. C. H. Bird, of Stalham ; Dr. Herbert 

 Langton, of Brighton ; Dr. J. Salter, of Aberyst- 

 with ; Mr. Lawrence Edmondston, of Baltasound ; 

 Mr. H. H. Mackenzie, of Balelone ; Mr. J. T. 

 Proud, of Bishop Auckland ; Mr. J. Paterson, of 

 Great Yarmouth ; Mr. W. A. Dutt, of Lowestoft ; 

 Mr. W. Graveson, of Hertford; Mr. C. Snell and 

 Mr. W. J. Eoberts, of Torquay, and many other 

 bird-lovers throughout the country. 



In conclusion, I very sincerely hope that all 

 who can will do something towards saving our 

 rarer British breeding birds from extinction. They, 

 and not mere accidental visitors to our shores, 

 are of real importance. Try to save the few 

 species most in danger, and keep a watchful eye 

 on the reduction of others that are from some 

 cause or other on the decline ; for once a bird 

 drops below a certain point of rarity, the premium 

 upon its skin and eggs appears to seal its doom. 

 Let us not forget that we all owe posterity a 

 debt, and that the deliberate doing of anything 

 calculated to lessen its pleasures is a wicked 



