Preface. xi 



magazine of the Wilts Archaeological and Natural History Society.* 

 To these papers, so far as they relate to this county, I shall 

 have occasion to make frequent reference in this volume, as well 

 as to many notes on -the occurrence of rare birds in South Wilts, 

 with which the same able ornithologist has from time to time 

 favoured me. To the Rev. George Powell, Hector of Sutton 

 Veny, and to Mr. Ernest Baker, of Mere, I am also much indebted 

 for many interesting communications of a like character, and 

 extended over many years, with reference to the visits of acci- 

 dental stragglers in South Wilts. Also to the Rev. T.A. Preston, 

 late of Marlborough College, and the founder, as I may say, of 

 the excellent museum there, for many valuable notices of birds 

 in his district. To the late Major Spicer, of Spye Park, himself 

 an excellent outdoor naturalist, with whom I have enjoyed much 

 ornithological communication, and whose fine collection of birds 

 and magnificent ornithological library were always open to my 

 inspection. To my old friend Colonel Michael Foster Ward, of 

 Bannerdown House, Bath, for frequent notices of occurrences in 

 his district; and last, but by no means least, to Mr. Grant, formerly 

 bird-preserver in Devizes, for the pains he has taken in preparing 

 for my use a full catalogue of the rarer birds which have passed 

 through the hands of himself and his sons. To one and all of 

 these, and to a host of others in all parts of the county, I here 

 beg to tender my heartiest thanks, not only for the information 

 given me, but for the kindness and cordiality with which they 

 have received and replied to my many minute, and sometimes, 

 I fear, troublesome inquiries. 



In addition to the collections of Mr. Warriner and Rev. G. 

 Marsh, and other general collections in the Devizes and Salisbury 

 Museums, also the Marlborough College Museum, and those of 

 Rev. A. P. Morres, Rev. G. Powell, Mr. Ernest Baker, Major 

 Spicer, and Colonel Ward, mentioned above, I have also had the 

 advantage of an acquaintance many years ago with the admirable 



* (1) Vol. XVII., pp. 94-127 ; (2) Yol. XVIII., pp. 183-213 ; (3) Vol. 

 XVIII., pp. 289-318 ; (4) Vol. XX., pp. 154-185 ; (5) Vol. XXI., pp. 211- 

 255; (6) Vol. XXII., pp. 83-106 ; (7) Vol. XXII, pp. 191-211. 



