PROSPECTUS 
DUMFRIESSHIRE is fortunate in the possession of a 
varied bird-life within a comparatively small compass, 
consequent upon its diversity of physical features. 
The shores of the Solway Firth — " that great ornithological 
junction " — the rugged mountains rising to over 2,500 feet, the 
fertile dales, the moors, the woods, the rivers and the lakes all 
have their attractions for different birds. 
Mr. Hugh S. Gladstone has spared no labour to make 
this account of the birds of his county complete. In accom- 
plishing this he has been fortunate in two notable ways. For 
the history of the past he has had access not only to the 
published writings, but to the private notes of Sir William 
Jabdine, whose home — Jardine Hall — was in Dumfriesshire, 
and whose fame as a naturalist was world-wide. Happily 
connecting Sir William Jardine's work of the first half of the 
last century with the present, is the life-long experience of 
Mr. Robert Service, the well-knoun ornithologist of Dumfries. 
Mr. Service's aid has been whole-hearted and unstinted, and he 
has placed the whole of his notes at the author's disposal, 
besides being in constant communication with him. The author 
has carefully searched all available published sources for infor- 
mation, and has besides had the assistance of a large number of 
Correspondents both in and out of the county. In the sifting, 
arranging, and authentication of the material thus collected no 
pains have been spared, and the book will prove a valuable 
addition to the list of county avifaunas. 
Among the Important Features of the work to which 
attention may be specially directed are the following : — 
The thorough details of the distribution of each species 
in the county, and of the movements of migrants. 
2 
