2 Mr. A. G. More on the Distribution of Birds 



the geographical distribution of British plants, the ' Cybele 

 Britannica.' 



The present outline is confessedly imperfect, not only from the 

 insufficient number of observers, but because it has been thought 

 better in many cases to withhold information of a doubtful 

 character, rather than run the risk of mixing good with bad 

 authority ; and as no pains have been spared to investigate every 

 disputed point, it is hoped that the results may be accepted as 

 tolerably accurate so far as they go. 



Had our scheme any claim to completeness, it might no doubt 

 be considered partly as a record of the present and past distribu- 

 tion of several species now fast decreasing through the progress 

 of cultivation and drainage, and, we regret to add, the persecu- 

 tion of game-preservers and collectors. It might also become a 

 measure of the future increase of other birds which seem to 

 flourish under the protecting hand of man. 



The present results might also be used as a means of ascer- 

 taining some particulars of the movements of birds which remain 

 in Britain all the year, and yet are partially migratory. This 

 might be accomplished by noting the districts which a bird fre- 

 quents during summer or winter only, or in which any species 

 is more numerous at one season than another. 



It is hoped that all who may feel interested in the subject of 

 this paper will not fail to point out any inaccuracy which they 

 mLy observe, and that they will also endeavour to supply the 

 omissions unavoidable in a first attempt. It is suggested that 

 such additions might form an interesting subject for communi- 

 cation to the ' Ibis,^ even if only one additional district can be 

 filled up on good authority. Full lists of the nesting-birds of 

 South and North Wales, of the North-west of England, and of 

 almost any part of Scotland are especially desired. 



In acknowledging how much is due to the kind cooperation 

 of the many friends and correspondents who have assisted in this 

 undertaking, I have especially to thank Dr. J. A. Smith of 

 Edinburgh, the Rev. George Gordon of Birnie, and Mr. Robert 

 Gray, Secretary to the Natural History Society of Glasgow, who 

 have not only furnished me with information themselves, but 

 have taken great pains in collecting lists from various parts of 

 Scotland. 



