iv THE BRITISH BIRD BOOK 



It is in approaching the study of birds with an eye to its value for the solution 

 of this and similar problems, that we begin to realise not only its essential meaning 

 and inner charm, but also the profundity of our ignorance concerning it. To know 

 how little we know is in natural history the beginning of wisdom. Far from 

 concealing this ignorance, it is part of the function of the present work to make 

 it clear, and thus point the way to further research. 



It is perhaps hardly necessary to add that the book appeals to the 

 young naturalist in the interests of that kind of nature study which teaches 

 him to regard an excursion into the country not as a raid but as a voyage 

 of discovery. The appeal unfortunately cannot be limited to the young. If 

 it could, the gun of the collector and his agents would not be heard so often in 

 the land. 



Other Objects. In order to render the work complete for general purposes, 

 all the information is given that is necessary to enable the reader to identify any 

 British bird, as well as its nest and eggs. Descriptions overcharged with detail 

 have been avoided, only what is strictly essential for purposes of recognition being 

 given. In compiling the descriptions, good use has been made of standard works, 

 but as the statements made in these works are not infrequently at variance, it has 

 been thought necessary to verify every description in the present book by reference 

 either to li ve specimens, or to skins in the British Museum and elsewhere, an arduous 

 task which, if not overproductive of new discoveries, has at least increased our 

 respect for the labours of those who have trodden the same thorny path. 



A detailed account of the geographical distribution of our birds lies outside the 

 scope of the work, which professes to deal comprehensively only with their habits, 

 but short summaries embodying the most recent information will be found under 

 the head of each species. 



To meet the practical wants of the field naturalist there will be a special 

 chapter on the art of bird-watching, and, as many naturalists now use the camera, 

 this chapter will contain notes on the best methods of bird-photography. 



PLAN 



The Chapter. The plan of the book differs in some important particulars 

 from that generally adopted. Each chapter deals not with a species, but a Family, 

 thus not only emphasising the relationship of the species, but facilitating com- 

 parative treatment and avoiding unnecessary repetition of statements that apply 

 equally to the whole Family or Genus. 



It has been found in many cases advisable to divide the chapter into sections, 



