PREFACE TO THE THIRD GERMAN EDITION. 



In the last year and a half unexpected progress has been made in 

 the efforts to protect bnds, and it is a matter of course that the 

 experimental and model station for the protection of birds Ijelonging 

 to Baron von Berlepsch at Seebach has directly and indirectly taken 

 a prominent part in the work. 0\\'ing to the valuable support of the 

 Minister of Agriculture, Crown Lands and Forests we now possess 

 in this station a central station authorised Ijy the State, a unique 

 circumstance of great importance. 



Tlie present work naturally could not pass over this fortunate 

 change, as the author has based his descriptions so closely on the 

 Seebach experimental station. This third edition has, therefore, been 

 altered and enlarged in many essential i^oints. 



I have, as usual, continued to make enquiries on current changes 

 and have discussed all that is new in this edition ^^'ith Baron von 

 Berlepsch and the other gentlemen 's^'ho are active in bird jirotection. 

 I must seize this opportunity of thanking them sincerely. 



The book -was specially recommended by the Minister of Agriculture, 

 Crown Lands and Forests on June 26th, 1907, and 21,000 separate 

 imjiressions were distributed to the different officials whom it 

 concerned. 



May this third edition also be kindly received every\^'liere. 



Maetin Hiesemann. 

 Heiligenstadt, 

 Febnianj, 1909. 



PREFACE TO THE SECOND GERMAN EDITION. 



After a comparatively short time — barely four months since its first 

 appearance — a new edition of this book has become necessary : surely 

 the best proof that it was issued opportunely, and that it satisfied a 

 long-felt want. This is proved by the fact that it will shortly appear 

 in an English, a French, and a Pohsh translation. 



I should like to thank, in the name of the good cause, the Com- 

 mission for whom I undertook the task, and to whose unwearied energy 

 and efforts the quick spread of the work has been due. I feel that I 

 owe a special debt of gratitude to Baron von Berlepsch, who, most 

 generously gave me full information on all questions which I 

 referred to him. I think I may say I talked over every point with 

 him before writing. 



May the second edition, which has undergone many alterations and 

 additions — the most recent ornithological observations are given 

 — find a kindly welcome everywhere, and help to preserve our birds, 

 so that they may prove a blessing to agriculture and forestry, 

 and a joy to every friend of Nature. This will always be the best 

 reward for my work. 



Maetin Hiesemann. 



Heiligenstadt, 



June, 1907. 



