PREFACE. 



The subjects of Economic Zoology and Casual Distribution 

 clearly pertain to our pages, and in this volume of * The 

 Zoologist ' two valuable papers appear on these subjects. 

 We allude to one by Dr. Murie on the *' * Slipper Limpet ' 

 {Crepidula fornicata), its Introduction and Influence on Kent 

 and Essex Oyster-beds," and another by Mr. E. E. Green on 

 the "Wanderings of a Gigantic African Snail {Achatina fiilica) 

 in Ceylon." 



" Bird-watching," one of the latest and most interesting 

 pursuits in Ornithology, is also, as usual, well represented in 

 this volume. Mr. E. Selous has given his observational diary 

 on the domestic habits of the Sparrow-Hawk ; Mr. S. E. Brock 

 has detailed his observations on Lapwings in the pairing 

 season ; and Mr. F. Heatherley has done the same for the 

 Eaven "at home." Our "Notes and Queries" contain nume- 

 rous shorter records on the same subject, and these have always 

 been one of the most valuable features of our journal. A 

 record is none the less valuable because it repeats a fact or an 

 observation. If first recorded by A, it becomes of even greater 

 importance when subsequently observed by others in different 

 parts of the country. And here we venture to make an appeal 

 to our contributors in giving the names of little-known localities. 

 If these were denoted by capitals in the MS., mistakes would 

 sometimes be avoided by both an anxious Editor and a pains- 

 taking "reader." It is a cause for congratulation that our 



