PREFACE. 



THE following papers are chiefly derived from 

 the observations and experiences of the Author, 

 in reference to those birds which are usually the 

 objects of pursuit with the British sportsman ; 

 and to certain other animals which, either justly 

 or erroneously, are supposed to be injurious to 

 their welfare and increase. 



The ornithologist, therefore, who opens this 

 little book in the expectation of finding a scien- 

 tific treatise on those families of the rasorial, 

 grallatorial, and natatorial orders which might be 

 supposed to be included in its rather comprehen- 

 sive title, will be doomed to disappointment ; 

 while those indulgent readers who could find 

 amusement, or relaxation from graver pursuits, in 

 the author's * Ornithological Rambles ' may per- 

 haps give a favourable reception to these pages, 

 in which he has endeavoured to blend entertain- 

 ment with instruction, and thus add new votaries 

 to a loving observation of Nature. 



924743 



