THE BIRD-LIFE OF LONDON 



where their pleasing plumage, engaging ways, and charm- 

 ing "music will ever furnish a rich store of amusement 

 and recreation for those who are doomed to pass their 

 lives far from the green countryside, with all its benefi- 

 cent influences. Then the rapid, luxurious, and cheap 

 means of transit nowadays to all parts of the London 

 area make the study of London's birds much easier and 

 pleasanter than formerly. A short, quick journey in 

 any direction renders a visit to the haunts of any special 

 or particular bird a matter of little trouble or expense. 

 In the following pages, under the heading of each species, 

 a carefully worked-out distribution has been given, 

 whilst the table at the end of this chapter will show at a 

 glance the general habitat. Finally, I may add that 

 everything possible should be done not only to induce 

 birds to visit and remain in London, but to encourage 

 their intelligent study, especially by the young. From 

 a social and moral point of view alone the trifling expendi- 

 ture involved will prove an investment of the greatest 

 value to the community. That enterprising body the 

 London County Council, to which citizens are indebted 

 far more than they realise for endless improvements and 

 advantages, might be induced to do a little more in 

 beautifying the Great City from an ornithological point 

 of view. I would suggest that some competent person 

 be appointed to watch over the natural history of the 

 Council's parks and open spaces. His duties should be 

 to protect and extend the London avifauna (by local 

 Acts where necessary), and to record and report facts 

 concerning it, with the assistance of the many intelligent 

 keepers and rangers employed in these places. He 

 should also be competent to direct the Nature-study of 

 the elementary schools, and to suggest to teachers the 

 most suitable material available in each special area. 

 Children would then become familiar with the natural 

 objects to be found in their own neighbourhoods. It 

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