Preface to the Second Edition. 



SINCE the first edition of the present work was published, our knowledge of 

 various species contained therein has been considerably increased. Not 

 only have several new species been added to the British list (abnormal migrants), 

 but much information has been obtained relating to their geographical distribu- 

 tion and their affinities. The completion of the British Museum Catalogue of 

 Birds, and the publication of many important books and memoirs bearing upon 

 the present subject, have also enabled me to give a more complete account of 

 British Game Birds and Wild Fowl than had hitherto been possible. 



The present edition has to a very large extent been rewritten : the 

 necessary information has been added to bring the book fairly up to date. The 

 classification remains practically the same ; but many generic changes have been 

 made, and a more or less exhaustive account of the various orders and families has 

 been added. The treatment of each species is much the same as in the first edition, 

 but a short synonomy has been appended to each, which may prove of service to 

 the student anxious to consult the literature of the subject. Since the first 

 edition was published I have devoted much time and study to the Migration and 

 Distribution of Birds, with the result that many previously held opinions have 

 been discarded, and the geographical distribution and migration of the various 

 species have been dealt with in accordance with a suggested new law of dispersal. 

 A short introductory chapter on Distribution and Migration has been inserted. 

 The old set of drawings has been entirely replaced by a series of coloured 

 plates, the original designs for which have been specially prepared by my 

 friend, Mr. Charles Whymper; whilst it is equally satisfactory to be able to 

 state that the lithography and letterpress printing, together with every detail 

 connected with the issue of this new edition, are the work of the celebrated 

 Yorkshire firm whose imprint the present volume bears. 



My thanks are specially due (among many other friends) to Mr. H. L. Popham, 

 the fortunate finder of the nest and eggs of the Curlew Sandpiper, who most 

 obligingly furnished me with particulars of his discovery; also to Mr. F. H. 

 Waterhouse, who has rendered me much bibliographical assistance whilst the book 

 has been passing through the press. 



CHARLES DIXON. 



Paignton, S. Devon, February, 1900. 



