iv. BRITISH BIRDS. 



that ornithologists have neglected to study sequences 

 of plumages may be removed so far as British birds are 

 concerned. 



In recording our special thanks to Miss E. L. Turner 

 for the very interesting series of photographs of the Water- 

 Rail, we would remind our photographer-correspondents 

 that we are always glad to consider contributions illus- 

 trated by photographs which aid in the demonstration 

 of particular points in the habits of birds. We are very 

 glad to note a growing tendency to photograph with this 

 object in view rather than for the sake of mere 

 portraiture. 



Perhaps the most satisfactory feature of the volume 

 now completed has been the growth in the number and 

 importance of the " Notes " which have been contributed 

 by so many correspondents from all over the kingdom. 

 The varied character of these notes has added greatly 

 to their interest, and hardly any branch of our subject 

 seems to have been neglected. 



The loss of Dr. R. Bowdler Sharpe and Mr. Thomas 

 Southwell from the ranks of British ornithologists will 

 be long and keenly felt. Dr. Sharpe was from the first 

 greatly interested in this Magazine, and his kindly 

 encouragement and active support in making it known 

 amongst the host of his ornithological friends places 

 us all under a great debt of gratitude. 



The Editors. 

 April 30th, 1910. 



