PREFACE 



THE study of Nature has of late years enormously increased, 

 and there is probably no branch of its varied and in- 

 exhaustible interests which appeals more strongly to young 

 and old than the fascinating study of Birds. 



Every one feels more or less interested in Birds, whether 

 it be from pure affection for the Eobins and Tits which beg 

 our hospitality during the winter months, or joy at the 

 coming of the Swallow and Cuckoo as heralds of spring. 



For some the interest is perhaps merely a passing regret 

 at the shooting of one of our rare and beautiful migrants, 

 while with others the real love of bird life makes it a 

 moment of intensest pleasure when, for instance, the 

 melodious note of the Nightingale makes us dimly realise 

 something of the innate beauty of Nature herself. 



In the following pages will be found not only descrip- 

 tions and plates of the birds themselves, but, wherever 

 possible, notes on their ways and habits have also been 

 given. These notes having been taken at first hand straight 

 from Nature, it is hoped that they may give a small insight 



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