x PREFACE. 



possessing the secret. We have spent hours and 

 hours and plates innumerable on some birds with- 

 out obtaining a result about which we could get up 

 any enthusiasm. 



In regard to the text of this work, I can only 

 say that I have endeavoured to make it bright, 

 interesting, and accurate, and hope that I have in 

 a measure succeeded. 



I doubt not we shall be accused of adventurous 

 foolhardiriess. I must plead that we are English, 

 and that our failing is a very common one amongst 

 young fellows bred and born on British soil. 



In conclusion, my brother and I heartily thank 

 our friends in every part of the country for the 

 facilities and help so ungrudgingly rendered. 

 Landed proprietors, sportsmen, farmers, game- 

 keepers, boatmen, lighthouse-keepers, and others 

 have all combined most willingly to make this 

 book possible. 



KICHARD KEARTON. 



BOREHAM WOOD, ELSTREE, HERTS. 

 November, 1897. 



