YV 



PREFACE. 



MIGBATION has, to me, always proved the most fascinating 

 feature of bird life. I therefore looked forward to the appear- 

 ance of Herr Gatke's long-expected work with the greatest 

 interest. On its first perusal, the novelty of the author's state- 

 ments greatly impressed me, and after careful study I found them 

 very difficult of acceptance. I then formed the plan of writing 

 a paper to one of the current ornithological journals, calling 

 attention to what I considered were the principal objections. 



I soon found, however, that the subject was too great for this 

 to be practicable. After some hesitation I decided to publish this 

 little work on my own responsibility. 



To prevent misconception, I must here state that the first 

 draft of my manuscript was completed before I saw Mr. W. 

 Eagle Clarke's "Digest of the Reports on Migration;" and 

 though I was glad of the opportunity the latter gave me of 

 strengthening my arguments, it must be understood that where 

 our conclusions are identical, they have been arrived at quite 

 independently of one another. 



In writing my commentary I hope I have succeeded in guard- 

 ing against any expression at all likely to convey the idea that I 

 hold any feelings towards Herr Gatke but those of the warmest 

 admiration and respect. 



My sole aim has been to place the other side of the question 

 before my readers, to the best of my ability. 



F. B. W. 



49, Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham. 

 January, 1897. 



M361929 



