PREFACE TO THE FIRST GERMAN EDITION. 



The " Kommission zur Befcirderung des Vogelschutzes,"* appointed 

 at the instigation of the President of the " Verband der Tierschutz- 

 vereine des deutschen Reiches," conferred on me the honourable 

 task of writing a book which sliould give a clear account of the 

 principles and of the measures which Baron von Berlepsch advocates 

 for the exercise of a rational protection of birds, and wliich have not 

 only been tested, but have also been recommended by the State. 



Although I felt honoured and gratified on receiving this commission, 

 I thought it right to ascertain what were Baron von Berlepsch's views 

 on the subject, especially as it would be necessary for me to obtain 

 information from him personally, and to make a thorough study of 

 the experimental station at Seebach. His answer to my letter of 

 enquiry was as follows : — 



" I can only say that I am delighted to find that others carry out 

 my ideas and employ their own experiences and studies in the good 

 cause in order to complete my teaching. Those who, Uke you, are 

 influenced by interest in the cause, can always count on my 

 assistance." 



I therefore undertook the task with pleasure, and thought I could 

 not carry it out better than by closely describing the experimental 

 station at Seebach. Again and again I went to see it at all times of 

 the year, and now, on completing my book, I have again spent four 

 weeks there. 



The illustrations are all made, from original drawings and photo- 

 graphs, by the artist E. Hermle. 



Baron von Berlepsch, to whom I showed my book when it was 

 finished, declared that my work carried out his ideas in every respect, 

 and that I had introduced correctly the most recent results which had 

 not previously been published. 



The purpose of this book is to provide the general pubUc with a 

 guide which shall be easy to understand, and above all things cheap, 

 and thus supply a long-felt want in the hterature on this subject. 



May this book make its way in the world. May the hopes be 

 fulfilled with which it is sent forth. 



Mabtin Hiesemann. 

 Heiligenstadt, 



January, 1907. 



* The " Commission " at the present time consists of Dr. Falke, Professor 

 of Agriculture at the University of Leipsic (president) ; Herr Max Kabe, Leipsic 

 (secretary) ; Pastor Otto Kleinschmidt, Volkmaritz, near Dederstedt, District 

 Halle-a.-S. ; Major z. D. Henrici, Cassel. Baron von Berlepsch was, of course, 

 chosen on the " Commission." He declined the honour, as he has done in all 

 similar cases, but he assists the "Commission " as a friend and adviser. 



