536 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



bird-calls would prevent the recurrence of a similar experience. Acting on 

 this idea, I have now collected from the works of Messrs. Bechstein, Dixon, 

 Kearny, Morris, Robinson, Swann, and Dr. Emerson the call of two 

 hundred birds, or rather more than half of those which are accepted as 

 British. I am very desirous that my list should be as complete and perfect 

 as possible, and shall greatly esteem any co-operation which you can give 

 me ; either in checking calls already recorded, or supplying those of other 

 birds, more particularly of any bird or birds which you may have had 

 favourable opportunities of observing. 



" You will doubtless note that I have frequently retained two or more 

 spellings of a single call. This appears to be unavoidable, as our language 

 is not phonetic, and many bird-calls may be spelt in different ways with 

 equal approximation to correctness. I have also retained some very free 

 renderings of calls which approximate to English sentences. Although the 

 call-bird portion is complete as far as T have the materials, I have as yet 

 only had the first page set up. If my appeal for co-operation meets with 

 the response for which I hope, I shall at once finish the compilation, and 

 see it through the press." 



