LAND BIBDS AT SEA. 261 



As some of your readers are afloat, I appeal to them to make 

 use of the ample opportunities that occur, principally in spring 

 and autumn, for studying land birds that come on board. Some 

 annotated observations on them re the two above-mentioned 

 points would, I am sure, be of interest. 



The majority of vessels in the navy now having merely pole 

 masts and nothing in the way of rigging, but plenty in the way 

 of funnels and ventilators, fail to offer the perching attractions 

 that a masted vessel does. 



When one starts discussing birds, the subject is so interesting 

 that it can be spun out to an indefinite length, and the points in 

 their economy that are after all only slightly known are many. 

 I only hope that in writing these few notes and observations 

 I have not wearied the patience of the reader. 



