8 INTRODUCTION. 



vulnerable point in their all too inadequate armour 

 of defence, and if he can find it a rich harvest 

 awaits him. We in Britain do not wish to destroy 

 the wild creatures of our woods, but if we are 

 to learn their ways we must first become au fait 

 with their characters. 



It is, of course, impossible to write from personal 

 observation and study all the data that are neces- 

 sary for the completion of a book of this kind. 

 One may be tolerably familiar with the life-habits 

 and customs of a certain beast, may indeed regard 

 it as an intimate friend; but life is too short 

 for one to learn from practical observation all the 

 details concerning it that are necessary its changes 

 of coat, length of life, and so on. If one could 

 devote all one's studies to one particular species, 

 it might be possible ; but in dealing with several 

 there comes a point when inaccuracy must be 

 risked or extensive references made. Realising this, 

 my method has been first to write all I know 

 concerning the animal dealt with, and, this done, 

 to apply to outside authority for such supple- 

 mentary evidence as might prove necessary. If 

 my original notes have appeared sufficient, they 

 have been left untouched ; and in every case my 

 own data, when sufficiently wide, have been given, 

 whether or not they happen to coincide with the 

 notes of other, and probably far better qualified, 

 naturalists. On other occasions, personal data on 

 a certain point have either been entirely lacking 

 or insufficiently substantial, in which case the best 

 authorities have been sought and quoted. 



A final reading of the finished chapters has 

 brought home very forcibly the realisation that 

 at least half the information contained in this 

 volume is the result of the studies of my boyhood. 



