CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I 



THE BIBDS AND THE BOOK 



PAGE 



A handbook of London birds considered — Reasons for not 

 writings it — Changes in the character of the wUd bird 

 population, and supposed cause — The Loudon spaiTow 

 — Its abundance — Bread-begging habits — Monotony — 

 Its best appearance — Beautiful finches — Value of open 

 spaces — The sparrows' afternoon tea in Hyde Park — 

 Purpose of this book . . . .1 



CHAPTEE II 



CBOWS IN LONDON 



A short general account of the London crows — The magpie 

 — The jay — London ravens — The Enfield ravens — The 

 Hyde Park ravens — The Tower ravens — The carrion 

 crow, rook, and jackdaw ... .20 



CHAPTER III 



THE CAREION CEOW IN THE BALANCE 



The crow in London — Persecuted in the royal parks — 

 Degradation of Hyde Park — Ducks in the Serpentine : 



