PREFACE TO THE SECOND GERMAN EDITION. 



AFTER a comparatively short time barely four months since its first 

 appearance a new edition of this book has become necessary : surely 

 the best proof that it was issued opportunely, and that it satisfied a 

 long-felt want. This is proved by the fact that it will shortly appear 

 in an English, a French, and a Polish translation. 



I should like to thank, in the name of the good cause, the Com- 

 mission for whom I undertook the task, and to whose unwearied energy 

 and efforts the quick spread of the work has been due. I feel that I 

 owe a special debt of gratitude to Baron von Berlepsch, who, most 

 generously gave me full information on all questions which I 

 referred to him. I think I may say I talked over every point with 

 him before writing. 



May the second edition, which has undergone many changes and 

 additions the most recent ornithological observations are given 

 find a kindly welcome everywhere, and help to preserve our birds, 

 so that they may prove a blessing to agriculture and forestry, 

 and a joy to every friend of Nature. This will always be the best 

 reward for my work. 



MARTIN HIESEMANN. 

 Heiligenstadt, 



June, 1907. 



