AMERICAN EDITOR'S PREFACE. 



The publication of Charles Dixon's " Rural Bird- Life " in 

 America renders it desirable to say a few words by way of 

 introducing these agreeable Essays on Ornithology to the read- 

 ers whom the book will undoubtedly win for itself in this 

 country. 



It might seem at first sight unlikely that a treatise devoted 

 entirely to British Birds, very few of which are ever seen in the 

 United States, could have any special interest for the new circle 

 of acquaintances to whom the American publishers address th& 

 work. But my examination of these pieces of bird-biography 

 have satisfied me that their merit has only to be known to be 

 appreciated as highly here as elsewhere. Mr. Dixon's example 

 may be followed with no less profit than pleasure in this coun- 

 try ; for the lessons which he teaches respecting the pursuit of 

 ornithology are restricted in their applicability to the native 

 birds of no single region. The study of the hfe of English birds, 

 under this author's guidance and in his agreeable company, 

 will go far toward fitting one to enter easily and successfully 

 upon those personal experiences with our native species which 

 are necessary in order to become a good practical ornithol- 

 ogist. 



