FOREWORD 



pleased to think our original ideas and opinions of to-day, 

 were hereditary and largely a matter of locality. 



An interest in bird life, once quickened, is destined to 

 live always. As you become better acquainted with them, 

 may these inhabitants of the air, regarded with respect and 

 confidence by all nations of antiquity, prove equally inter- 

 esting to you and a source of perennial pleasure ; may their 

 presence be ever significant of good, and may their voices 

 bode you no misfortime. 



The Author. 



XI 



