HOW TO USE THE GUIDE 



[See coloured frontispiece and abbreviated 

 method of use thereon] 



THE birds are arranged in the following tables in order of 

 size, according to the approximate length in inches, from 

 the tip of the bill to the end of the tail (see NOTE below). 

 But in order to use the Guide for the identification of an 

 observed bird, it is not necessary to know the exact size ; 

 all that is required is either to make a rough guess of the 

 length in inches, or to estimate it in comparison with some 

 known bird. Even if no such estimate can be made, 

 the use of the Guide is unaffected, except that the search 

 will take longer. 



Having estimated the size of the bird to be identified 

 the observer should carefully note as many of its other 

 features as may be possible. A little practice will accustom 

 him to classifying his observations according to the columns 

 of the Guide colour of head, upper parts, under parts, and 

 legs ; flight, movement, haunts, and so forth. 



With these data in his possession, he should turn to 

 the tables and begin his search. If he has estimated the 

 bird to be six inches in length he will start from No. 40 ; 

 or if he has noted it as being of about the size of some 



