xvi PREFACE 



whole of the same district ; yet the weather both in spring and 

 summer was finer in 1903 than in 1899, 1903 being nearly a normal 

 one both in depth of snow and the time of its melting, while 1899 

 was distinguished by one of the heaviest snowfalls and latest seasons 

 known for forty years. As far as ducks, geese, and swans are con- 

 cerned, their numbers will probably continue to decrease in the future 

 as they have done in the past. Most of the peasants have guns, and 

 the quality of both guns and ammunition is improving rapidly. In 

 1903 I first saw the natives shoot birds on the wing. Every large 

 bird that is eatable is shot throughout the breeding-season on all 

 opportunities; still we must recollect most of these birds are only 

 there to be shot during the summer, and form a part of the food 

 supplies. Egg - collecting for dealers is still unknown in all the 

 districts visited, I am glad to say. 



