PREFACE. 



This volume consists of notes on Natural History written in a 

 plain and unvarnished style, and placed under the dates when they 

 occurred, or general information which came under my notice during 

 the closing year of the Nineteenth Century. 



There are some entries which may appear trifling, but a true 

 observer of Nature should not fail to set on record anything occurring 

 in the Natural History world, as in the future that apparently un- 

 important note may be the connecting link which goes to complete a 

 chain of some importance. 



There are many entries of Birds, Mammals, Butterflies, Insects, 

 Fishes, Trees, Flowers, etc., which may be looked for at certain 

 stated times in any year; thus this Diary will also serve as a Natural 

 History Calendar. 



For the most part my notes refer to the sights and sounds seen 

 and heard during the year in quiet, homely Hertfordshire, and these 

 together with the other features introduced from time to time, will, it 

 is hoped, be acceptable to those to whom such a volume appeals, and 

 if it imbues any indifferent observers with a love for Natural History, 

 especially that of our own Country, it will not have been written in vain. 



I have to acknowledge my indebtedness to Mr. Worsley Benison 

 for his two excellent photographs of the nest and eggs of the 

 Nightjar; to Mr. A. E. Frost for his photos of the Robin's nest in 

 tin can and Blackbird's nest on shed; and also to Mr. Aflalo for his 

 very appreciative Introduction. 



W. PERCIVAL WESTELL. 

 ST. ALBANS, HERTS., 

 FEBRUARY, 1903. 



