PREFACE xv 



its shortcomings, of which indeed no one can be 

 half so conscious as myself, leads to a closer obser- 

 vation of Nature, or to a deeper and more living 

 sympathy with animal life, it is due, in its origin 

 at least, to the influences which permeated " The 

 Old Thatched Rectory." 



BINGHAM'S MELCOMBE, 

 November, 1904. 



